Reaching out with art

ENABLING the creative mind to express itself through art is on the cards for Casey residents who have a mental illness.
Professional artists will join experienced support artists to help people with mental disabilities at The Old Cheese Factory in Berwick starting next Wednesday.
The program, run by Arts Access in partnership with the Eastern Region Mental Health Association, is designed to give participants over the age of 18 the opportunity to learn new artistic skills and develop their own creativity in a supporting and encouraging environment.
Participants in the first of four workshops will create postcards and greeting cards using a range of different materials including paper, photos, text paint and pastels.
Arts Access coordinator Santha Press said people undertaking a class could make expressive art for themselves that could tell a story, make a social comment or just enjoy making art that is uniquely theirs.
She said participants could choose to take their work home or enter it in several different exhibitions for others to enjoy.
Classes run from 1pm to 4pm starting on 6 September and continuing on the 13, 20 and 27 September.
The four workshops will cost $12 and class numbers are limited. To book call 9699 8299.