Taping into the future

ART-FULL WOMEN is entering its third year of providing accessible and inclusive workshops and events for older women on the Central Coast. Despite receiving no funding in recent times, the group is more ambitious than ever, with an exciting range of skill and interest-based experiences and events to explore.

14 February 2024

 

RECENTLY, a meeting space at Umina Library was generously provided by Council for ART-FULL WOMEN to hold workshops on Mondays.

 

With the provision of a new meeting space, the ukulele group is now able to meet regularly on Monday afternoons.  A year or two ago, participants were mostly beginners, but have now developed into a fun and entertaining performance group. Their first gig was last October at a pop-up protest regarding the potential loss of trees for a carpark in the Austin Butler Reserve at Woy Woy. They sang to the tune of Big Yellow Taxi:

 

"We’ll strum along and play as ART-FULL Ukers, till you keep these old beautiful melaleucas! "

 

The Melalukas have adopted their name from the giant trees they helped save.

 

On Saturday 2 March, Artist Wendy Burgess will guide participants of her workshop through the making of a Vision Board. This is a collage of images and words that represent one’s dreams and hopes for the future.

 

Frame drumming, which is one of the oldest forms of drumming, is another popular workshop that will continue throughout 2024. Facilitator Jen Rosenwarne teaches ancient rhythms designed to kindle one’s creative spirit for relaxation and enjoyment. Depending on participant interest, there may be both a beginner and a more advanced class. Drums are provided and it’s all in the hand - no playing with sticks!

 

Jen will also conduct a mindful drawing session at the Umina library on 29 March. This workshop offers a great opportunity to play and enjoy the many transformative benefits of sketching/drawing and being in the community. No experience in drawing is necessary, as the workshop is designed to help destress, with simple, mindful art exercises.

 

“We have been fortunate to find generous, talented women who are happy to volunteer their time to teach a new skill, which means costs can be kept to a minimum,” explained Brenda Logan, Director of the group.

 

“We also hold informal events such as coffee mornings at Ettalong and excursions to places like the Art Gallery of NSW to foster connections and friendships with older women, who can become isolated and feel invisible.”

 

Last year, committee member Lindy Batterham offered a series of gentle ‘tap dance taster’ classes at the Blackwall Guide Hall. Enthused beginners are keen to continue, so a weekly class will begin in March. When she was less than half the age she is now, Lindy taught and choreographed community tap groups in Port Lincoln and Sydney. The dream is to build up a tapping troupe on the peninsula to perform alongside the ART-FULL WOMEN performers, drummers and ukulele players, that tells the stories of older women on the Coast in an entertaining and joyful way.

 

To find out more, go to the ART-FULL WOMEN web page. Workshops are free or low-cost, after joining the organisation with a $10 annual fee.