Art group grows skills and bonds

EVERY weekend, the Meredith Community Centre studio hosts its Saturday Art Group, welcoming hobby artists of all ages and talents to create.

Marg Cooper joined the group 13 years ago and enjoys the relaxed chatty sessions from 9.30am to 11.30am each Saturday morning, whether a guest artist is facilitating a workshop, or attendees are freely working on their own pieces.

“We arrive, chat, and go about our work, or some people don’t even start because they’re so busy talking or enjoying cups of tea. We encourage each other, offer constructive criticism, and have a lot of fun,” she said.

“We have teachers every now and again giving classes, and one of the most influential of those was a lady who came to teach us zentangle, which is like doodling.

“Since then, several of us have branched out and taken that in various directions, and I still do a bit of zentangle in a different way.”

Creatives in the group have skills in varying artistic areas; illustration, oil painting, mandala and ink drawing, and even watercolour painting.

One young member joined the group at the age of 16, and is now studying art at The Gordon, with a goal to become an illustrator.

Ms Cooper’s granddaughter Eliza is also a part of the community, having joined 13 years ago at 11 years old.

“I started with the group when I thought Eliza needed some art tuition. She went every week until she went away to work.

“Other ladies in the group were like grandmothers to her as well. She saw them every week, and they helped to bring her up, so they were like family,” she said.

Ms Cooper said Meredith Art Group is a friendly space with about 12 regulars. Eeveryone gets on so well that they holiday together each year, whether in Broome, Margaret River, or Carrickalinga.

“There have been a wealth of experiences resulting from the art group, not only on a Saturday morning, but with our trips, lunches, and contact with the people there,” she said.

For more information, call 5286 0700.