Learn new skills from local emerging artists

The project will culminate around mid-year with an exhibition showcasing the work of the artists leading the community classes.

Volunteer co-ordinator and former president of the community centre Cheryl Phillips said the project was inspired by the quiet talent she saw in people visiting the centre on a regular basis.

Ms Phillips said there was one gentleman in particular who caught her attention.

He worked in construction and other industries until he had a fall and broke his back.

Shortly after, he became homeless, and pain led him to self-medicate.

Since then, he’s stopped using substances and has volunteered his time to help others do the same if they want to.

Ms Phillips said the man was an amazing artist.

He ran several sessions for community members, and through those, Ms Phillips met more local artists with talent and a desire to share it.

“I just found it inspirational meeting these extraordinary artists, but they’re quite invisible in the broader community,” Ms Phillips said.

She said the aim of the project was to shine a light on these artists, recognise their talent and invest in them with materials so they can share their gifts with the community and create works for the upcoming exhibition.

“We’ve now got 10 artists, and I just love the diversity of what they’re doing,” she said.

During the series of workshops, participants can learn about colours and tones in painting, try their hand at using natural resources in an eco-dyeing class, create sculptures from scrap metal and much more.

Greg Clark is one of the artists who will run painting workshops as part of the project.

He has a particular interest in mixing his own colours, drawing on his knowledge of colour matching, which he acquired working in the printing industry.

Mr Clark’s interest in art came from watching his aunt who did charcoal drawings and water colour paintings, specialising in gum trees and Australian scenery.

He used to visit her on school holidays, catching the train from Sydney to Albury.

But Mr Clark didn’t start creating his own art until he was 70.

After spending a decade travelling around Australia, helping on farms and doing volunteer work, Mr Clark has a love of painting landscapes and capturing the many colours on display in the outback.

He’s seen things on his travels that the average tourist wouldn’t, and he has thousands of photographs to draw on for inspiration.

“It’s very soothing, it’s very calming, it uses your mind to analyse what you want to put on canvas and work out the best way to do it,” Mr Clark said.

“For some people, it’s therapy.”

Mr Clark is relatively new to the Shepparton area; he moved here about 15 months ago.

He said it was hard at first to adjust after being on the road for 10 years, living in a caravan.

But he’s keen to share his knowledge with the local community.

“I’m keen to help others learn how to create their own art,” Mr Clark said.

“I believe in sharing knowledge.”

The free workshops are open to community members of all ages, and all materials will be supplied.

To register, contact the South Shepparton Community Centre on 5821 6172.

The community centre’s ART Project is funded Greater Shepparton City Council and the Dyson Group.