Bellarine women making art for health

LOCAL women are putting their best creations forward for a new installation set to be featured at the Bellarine Community Health Centre.

A creative team of eight Bellarine women has begun works on a decorative installation to match the newly renovated Fenwick Street Health Centre in Portarlington.

A series of four totem sculptures each standing at two metres tall will be showcased in the gardens of the health centre.

Project coordinator Kaz McGlynn said the sculptures will be made from clay and reflect a coastal theme with “organic shapes”.

“They will be brightly coloured with beautiful textures with sea urchins, fish and coastal birds featured on them,” she said.

“These are to give some creative ambience in the garden.”

The Bellarine Art Connections group has teamed up once again following a year-long break during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bellarine Art Connections is funded by Barwon Health and is an initiative that brings together creative women to share their passion during regular meets.

Ms McGlynn said the partnership with Barwon Health emerged as “art makes for a healthy community”.

“Bellarine Art Connections has brought together a group of diverse women with an interest and talent in art and providing immeasurable benefits for social connection and mental health,” she said.

“Lasting friendships and artworks have been made.”

The Bellarine Community Health installation is set to be completed by March 18 to coincide with Geelong’s 2021 Design Week.

The team is currently working together at weekly sessions hosted at Kazworks studio in Ocean Grove under the leadership of Ms McGlynn, who has been shortlisted for the City of Greater Geelong’s 2021 Women in Community Life Award.

Ms McGlynn was nominated for her significant contribution to community through the use of art which includes running workshops for the community at ‘art’sKool’.

If you would like to get involved with public art head to kazworks.com.au/artskool-2/ or contact Kaz McGlynn on 0437 582 772.