Local art to shine in August Art Month

Curious Creators founders, Natalie Renwick (left) and Jasmin Ruperez (Right)

Two Central Coast creatives are bringing local art, interactive workshops, and artistically inspired events to Gosford’s Kibble Park, transforming the space into a lively art and music hub for the whole month of August.

Curious Creators’ founders Natalie Renwick and Jasmin Ruperez are hosting August Art Month in the Parkhouse at Kibble Park, with an action-packed schedule lined up for artists and the community to enjoy.

“We were given the opportunity to occupy the space in Parkhouse from the Central Coast Council, so we thought of creating an August Art Month which would encapsulate everything we do from workshops to special performance nights, art exhibitions and events,” Renwick said.

“Our space will have one-of-a-kind art to be inspired by, creations from local artists and makers for the community to purchase, fun, inclusive workshops for all ages and abilities to get involved in and social events for artists and the community to come together.

“We have also encouraged our facilitators, stall holders and exhibitors to focus on sustainability using natural and recycled materials in their artworks, creations and offerings.”

August Art Month will commence from August 3 to August 27 with events and workshops hosted by local artists and the Curious Creators every Wednesday to Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm.

The art exhibition showcasing upcoming, emerging and professional artists from the Central Coast will have its special opening night on Saturday, August 6, which will then be on display in the Parkhouse for the whole month.

“Opening night of our exhibition will be $5 entry including a complimentary drink where people can mingle with the artists and ask questions about their work… we also have a people’s choice award where people can vote for their favourite,” Renwick said.

“We have some free events like our Art Mornings Saturdays, where people are encouraged to bring their projects to work on in a collaborative space where they can chat, share and be inspired by other artists and like-minded people.

“We also have some paid events and workshops that people will need to buy tickets for, which can be found on our Curious Creators website.”

Some activities include watercolour painting and drawing, upcycled twine making, dance lessons with hoops and fans, trash costume making, recycled crown making, coiled basketry, and paint and sip evenings.

Renwick said some workshops and activities would also help them prepare for their Flow Walk parade, which will be a part of the Lakes Festival in November.

“On our Art Morning Saturdays, we will be collecting and cleaning rubbish found in the local area and turning them into upcycled costumes that we will wear during our Flow Walk at the Lakes Festival,” she said.

“So, all the creations made during our August costume-making workshops and the choreography learnt in the hula hoop workshop will contribute to our big community parade in November.”

Further information about August Art Month, including the times and days of different events, can be found at curiouscreators.com.au or on the Curious Creators Instagram and Facebook page.

“The reason we started Curious Creators was to bring the community together; the dream is to open more spaces and give people the opportunity to share, collaborate and inspire each other.”

Hayley McMahon