An exhibition of works now on show at the Platypus Gallery has been produced in ‘Art Connections’, a ground breaking pilot art and dementia program for residents at Jemalong Residential Village.
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Participants in the Art Connections program have been looking at artworks on loan from the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, talking about the works and then making art in response to the work.
The program was instigated by Christine McMillan from Arts Out West.
The program aims to provide social inclusion and intellectual stimulation which in turn acts to promote wellbeing.
“Looking at and talking about works of art enables people living with dementia to connect with the world in enriching and life-enhancing ways,” Arts OutWest arts and health coordinator Christine McMillan said.
Arts Out West arranged for the National Gallery of Australia to provide professional development training for local artists and staff at JRV, then built on the training.
“The aim of the program is to support creativity, in a safe and welcoming environment … and provide them with a meaningful occupation, regardless of past experiences with art,” Krystyna Anderson, Occupational Therapist from JRV, said.
The latest Art Connection sessions were facilitated by local artist, Ro Burns, with the assistance of staff.
The sessions start with gentle conversations about the borrowed artworks, where they will compare and contrast visual features in the artworks and create links with the everyday through images that evoke storytelling. Then the art making process begins and the works evolve.
The ‘In Our Hands’ exhibition has been curated by Ro Burns, who is also one of the convenors of the River Arts Festival and a member of the Forbes Arts Society.
“The River Arts Festival is an opportunity for the community to present what they have been doing,” she said.
“The inclusiveness of this exhibition is exciting and perfect example of how everyone is an artist. Express yourself.”
The River Arts Festival is in full swing this week in the lead-up to Saturday’s community celebrations lake-side.
Jack Randell from Fishdog is working with young people on a public art installation,
The Generocity theatre space will be open on Saturday for workshops.
There’s a vocal workshop with Karyn Tisdell and Friends from 10.30am, and Lessons from the Long Paddock from 4.45pm.
The Lakeside celebrations start midday with music and entertainment all afternoon culminating in the lantern parade when the sun goes down.
