Last month, Mirboo North Artspace rolled out the first two of many subsidised art workshops planned for 2025. This creative initiative was made possible by a community grant from the Mirboo North & District Community Foundation.
With more workshops on the way – including overlocker maintenance and repair, basket weaving, and a mixed arts session – Artspace is creating more space for creativity, connection, and community recovery.
A Local Space with a Big Impact
Entirely run by volunteers, Mirboo North Artspace offers both a retail gallery for local artists and a welcoming venue for art workshops.
Following the February 2024 storm, the Artspace team recognised that the community needed more ways to come together. They saw a renewed need for creative expression and social connection.
“Research has shown that workshops that promote the development of hand skills have an extremely positive effect on an individual’s mental health and general well-being,” says Sheryle Doherty, Joint President of Mirboo North Artspace. “This has certainly been our experience in practice.”
A Creative Start to the Year
Two fully booked workshops took place in March. The first, Memory Wire Beaded Bracelets, was run by Julie Joyce and Sheryle Doherty. The second focused on polymer clay jewellery, led by Kate Billingsley.
Participants not only spent a relaxing afternoon creating, they also left with a handmade piece of jewellery to keep. The joy and sense of achievement were clear.
What’s Coming This Autumn and Winter
Artspace is already planning more workshops for the cooler months. Kym Tutty, one of the Workshop Coordinators, says the team is excited about what’s ahead.
“We are now planning some workshops for the autumn and winter,” explains Kym. “We expect that these will include a session on how to maintain and repair your overlocker machine, developing basket weaving skills as well as a mixed arts workshop. Watch this space for dates.”
A Community Effort
Ruth Rogan, Executive Officer of the Community Foundation, thanked the Artspace volunteers for their vision and commitment.
“The Artspace team were spot on about the need for people to connect post storm,” she said. “Also, in a regional area we just don’t have that many opportunities to develop our inner artist, so these workshops are invaluable.”
Want to Join In?
To find out more about upcoming workshops, contact Workshop Coordinators
📧 Kate Billingsley and Kym Tutty at artspaceatmirboonorth@gmail.com
Find out more about our Community Grants here.