What's On
Autumn Program Events
Backyard Project
presented by Majura Women's Group
13 January - 9 February
Belconnen Arts Centre is starting 2010 with a fabulous foyer installation, Libertea, Maternitea, Realitea, celebrating the 20th year of the Majura Women’s Group Backyard Projects. These year-long community art projects, which have run from the Downer Community Centre since 1989, have improved health and social outcomes for women with young children by involving them in art activities.
For the 2009 Backyard Project, convening artist, Ann McMahon, has inspired participants to use recycled materials and basketry techniques to create sculptural works celebrating connections and friendships which have been forged over tea and conversations during the workshop sessions.
From the early part of the year when participants were learning basic technical skills, the women began experimenting with the techniques using their own choice of materials to produce self-directed art works exploring the Project’s tea party theme. Plant fibre, recycled fabric, wire, yarns, plastic and other items found around the domestic environment, have been refashioned into delightful sculptures of cups, bowls, teapots and a tablecloth and even delicious looking biscuits.
‘Participating in the Backyard Project in 1991, when my children were young, has led me on a path of self-discovery and a career in the arts,’ Ann McMahon says, ‘and I am delighted to be back in 2009 as the convening artist.’
As a special program during the installation, Ann will be leading two very special soft sculpture workshops. The first, Recycled Critters, is part of Belconnen Arts Centre’s School Holiday program. In this workshop, children from 6-14 years will learn how to make cute animals with wire, shredded paper and yarn. Adults will also enjoy an opportunity to revisit the world of creative play with Ann during Belconnen Arts Centre’s Soft Animal Sculpture Workshop.
Exhibition opening: Saturday 16 January > 2:00pm
Soft Sculpture Animals workshop for adults
Sunday 31 January > 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Materials Cost > $40
Majura Women's Group
Tea Party. Photograph: Provided courtesy of the artist.
Classes & Workshops
Do you want to join a regular class in dance, visual arts, or performance? Looking for kids classes?
What’s happening in the Belconnen Community?
Where else can I do art classes?
Other activities in Belconnen
How to get to Belconnen Arts Centre:
- WHERE ARE WE?
118 Emu Bank, Belconnen, ACT [Google Maps] - OPENING HOURS:
Tuesday – Sunday 10:00am – 6:00pm
Except for regular classes and special events - BUS:
ACTION [Timetable Information] - 300 series buses to Belconnen, get off at Cameron Avenue Bus Station and walk down to Emu Bank. - CAR:
Enter eastern end Emu Bank from either Aikman Drive or Eastern Valley Way, from the western end off Joynton Smith Drive or directly opposite the end of Benjamin Way - PARKING:
Emu Bank, Westfield Belconnen and behind Nature Conservation House [Parking information Adobe PDF | 332kb]
This page last modified: Saturday, 1 May 2010