Celebrating a decade of artistic support

ART Gusto is celebrating a decade of fostering creative talent and providing a supportive art studio in the region.

The Geelong group is a place where disabled and neurodivergent artists can get together and practice their craft with access to qualified and experienced artists.

Art Gusto founder Sharon Bromley said she started the group after being approached by some parents who asked if it was something she could create.

“We started with about six artists and then parents have kept supporting me and the artists, but we’ve formed a committee called the Friends of Art Gusto,” she said.

“The artists have a bank account, separate to me, that the committee run and they can self-fund their exhibitions and different projects in a collaborative way through commissions from art sales.”

In the past decade, the program has grown slightly, however the group has been conscious in keeping it small, ensuring they remain flexible and are still available to the artists.

Art Gusto has about19 participants now, with Ms Bromley saying she has seen huge improvements in those who have gone through with her, both socially and with lifelong learning.

Ms Bromley said she can’t believe it’s been 10 years of Art Gusto and it has been a really enjoyable time for her.

“I enjoy seeing what the artists do, I love seeing all the successes that they have, it’s just got a lot of positive reasons,” she said.

“It’s a really relaxed environment and we’re working with some artists that have really committed to their work, they’re all really hard working.”

For the artists, they also feel grateful for the program, helping them to improve their skills.

One artist said it was a wonderful program that has helped them get their art out there and into exhibitions.

“A lot of the artists have got all sorts of different opportunities socially as well, it’s been really good, they’ve made lovely friendships, they’re taken beyond the studio,” Ms Bromley said.

“It’s also given them workplace skills, to be able to come where it is like a workspace, they come and have some sharing time and work with others and all of the normal things you do in the workplace.”

Artists and Art Gusto marked the 10th anniversary with a small celebration on Saturday at Platform Arts, where they gave out awards and thanked everyone involved.