THREE DECADES OF crafting fun in Anglesea

For over 30 years, the Anglesea Arthouse has been providing kids a holiday refuge that allows them to connect with their crafty side through their Kids Art Bash program.

President Jennifer O’Sullivan said the holiday program will be up and running once more in the new year from January 2 until January 25 every day (except Sundays).

“We run it over summer holidays right through until the end of January. It’s open for toddlers through to teenagers, they come to the arthouse to do an activity,” she said.

“There’s painting including pre-cut wooden shapes or clay, we do mosaic bowls, last year they painted bowls for their dogs.”

Mrs O’Sullivan said the fact they’ve been running it for so long meant that children who once attended are now bringing their own kids back.

“We have children that have been coming over a period that are now parents and bringing their young kids back. It’s quite a traditional thing, we also speak to people though that didn’t even know it exists,” she said.

“We’d like to get a wider spread, we do two fundraisers – an art show over the long weekend in June and the Kids Art Bash program- that keep the arthouse going.”

Mrs O’Sullivan said they will be open Monday to Saturday from 10am until 4pm where children, accompanied by an adult, can participate in a variety of activities.

“Some children come for one day, others complete an art project over a week. Our volunteers help and have a mixture of experience in mosaics, print making and painting.

“The parents often participate in the activities also. Costing wise, it starts from $5 and can go up to $20. This year we’ve got Anglesea Arthouse t-shirts that the children can decorate themselves.”

With screen time ever prevalent amongst children today, Mrs O’Sullivan said the craft and art activities allow them to enjoy and find balance away from technology.

“Parents are grateful, and kids really love it. It gets kids involved away from screen time and you can see the difference in them. If we can get them doing arty/crafty things then I think we’re doing a good job,” she said.

“We have holiday makers attending, local children, we’ve had people drive down from Melbourne and make a day of it because they know it’s on.

“This time we will have our beautiful studio area that the shire completed this year. The kids can use it, so they’ll be in airconditioned comfort if it’s too hot or if there’s an off-weather day.”

The Anglesea Art House is located at 23 Cameron Road, Anglesea 3230, for more information phone: 5263 3216 or visit angleseaarthouse.com.au.