Free and low-cost workshops for older women
A series of free and low-cost workshops are being organised on the Peninsula for women aged 55 and older over coming months.
The workshops include a ukulele group, a vision board workshop, a frame drumming workshop, a mindful-drawing session and tap-dancing classes.
They are being run by the Art-Full Women group.
Group director Ms Brenda Logan said: "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.
"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.
"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."
She said this would be the third year the group would provide accessible and inclusive workshops and events for older women on the Peninsula.
The ukulele group meets at Umina Library on Mondays.
"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 protest regarding the potential loss of trees for a carpark in the Austin Butler Reserve at Woy Woy.
"To the tune of Big Yellow Taxi, they sang: We'll strum along and play as Art-Full Ukers, till you keep these old beautiful melaleucas."
They then named themselves The Melalukas, adapting the name from the trees they helped save.
The Vision Board Workshop will be held on Saturday, March 2, guided by artist Ms Wendy Burgess.
"This is a collage of images and words that represent one's dreams and hopes for the future."
Ms Jen Rosenwarne will teach frame drumming, "one of the oldest forms of drumming".
She uses "ancient rhythms designed to kindle one's creative spirit for relaxation and enjoyment".
Depending on interest, there may be both a beginner and a more advanced class.
Drums are provided.
Ms Rosenwarne will also conduct a mindful drawing session at the library on Friday, March 29.
"This workshop offers a great opportunity to play and enjoy the many transformative benefits of sketching/drawing and being in community.
"No experience in drawing is necessary, as the workshop is designed to help de-stress, with simple, mindful art exercises."
A weekly tap-dance class will begin in March, offered by committee member Ms Lindy Batterham.
Following a series of gentle "tap dance taster" classes at the Blackwall Guide Hall, enthused beginners are keen to continue.
"The dream is to build up a tapping troupe on the Peninsula to perform alongside the drummers and ukulele players to tells stories of older women in an entertaining and joyful way."
Membership of the group is $10 a year.
Further information is available on the group's website at www.artfullwomen.com.au.
SOURCE:
Media release, 7 Feb 2024
Lindy Batterham, Art-Full Women