Overjoyed: Group members Kay Woodward (left) and Fay Ritter (right) with teacher Carol Evans (centre).
Photo by
Holly Daniel
All through her life, Carol Evans doodled away on scraps of paper, never thinking her drawings were worth a second glance.
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Now, not only is her work being exhibited at the Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre (MEAC) but she’s teaching others to embrace a skill they might not know they had.
The Thursday Ladies’ Art Group has been meeting for the past four years, with up to 20 women piling in to the MEAC on a Thursday to draw, paint and escape into art.
Now, that work is on display for the world to see.
Artists: Group members Jane Smith, Gail Lancashire and Teena Caiafa show off their artwork.
Photo by
Holly Daniel
Ms Evans said she took art up as a hobby after retiring, and was self-taught.
“I never ever thought we’d have our own exhibition or anything like that,” she said.
The classes typically consist of about 12-15 women, some have attended for years and others are brand new.
“Anybody can just turn up, you don’t need supplies or anything to start,” Ms Evans said.
Smiling for art: Jamason Stretton (left) and Sienna Douglass (right) posing next to part of the exhibition at the Mooroopna library.
Photo by
Holly Daniel
“We use a variety of different mediums. This week we’re using pastels, but we’ve even worked on glass before,” she said.
Group member Fay Ritter said she loved taking part each week.
When TheNews visited on Thursday, January 19, she had brought in a painting she was was going to throw out, only for Ms Evans to tell her they could “fix it up together”.
Another member, Kay Woodward, said she enjoyed the social aspect of the group.
“It’s about learning something, but it’s also a social thing. Some days you won’t really do anything, apart from have a cup of tea and a chit chat,” Ms Woodward said.
Talent: Artwork from the exhibition by Kay Woodward.
Photo by
Holly Daniel
Ms Evans said members were often more talented than they realised.
“The girls always tell me they can’t draw, can’t do anything and within three weeks they’re painting wonderful pictures of their grandkids.”
Ms Evans said the class was relaxing, and helped members “turn their brains off” for a while and focus on making art.
“Everyone has a go, it’s just a wonderful group of women,” she said.
The art group often has guests come in and host a class, including councillors, local artists and Indigenous Elders.
Colourful: The Thursday Ladies’ Art Group exhibition is on at Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre, with some artworks also on show at the Mooroopna library.
Photo by
Holly Daniel
Ms Evans expressed her deep gratitude to Jan Phillips, manager of the MEAC and Neighbourhood Community House, alongside the activity centre staff.
“They are amazing support. It’s the most wonderful place to be in,” she said.
Ms Phillips said she was more than happy to support Carol and the group’s endeavours.
“It’s such a warm and welcoming environment,” she said.
Ms Phillips said the group was inclusive of all skill levels, and everybody was able to make “gorgeous” art.
“You have these people who didn’t think they had any artistic skill at all, creating works that are actually really beautiful.”
The Thursday Ladies’ Art Group is open to anyone and everyone who wants to try their hand at art.
The group meets at 9.30am every Thursday at the MEAC, and it is $7.50 a class.
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