Wauchope Regional Arts Project is a dynamic and inclusive arts project whose primary focus is to provide a platform for visual and performing artists with disability to build connections with seasoned professionals.
Coordinated by highly experienced facilitators Deb Murrell, Marita Dahlhausen and Vicky Mackey, WRAP offers a valuable opportunity for emerging artists to work alongside professional artists, building skills and confidence in their specific art practise through one-on-one tuition and peer collaboration.
Artists from WRAP will be exhibiting their work at Wauchope Art Gallery from December 5 – 16, 2023.
The artworks, which were created during workshops throughout 2023, feature abstract art, magical lanterns, lino prints, pottery, polymer clay, pointillism and recycled art.
Featured artists Nicola, Kerri, Tash, Courtney and Matilda, were mentored by local professional artists Jo Davidson, Vana Ford, Heather Humphreys, Vivianne Hazenveld, Tracey Murrell, Marg Sipkes and Colleen Werner.
Artist Tash Lorenz has developed skills through the WRAP project while working predominantly with acrylic paints and spray paints, in the theme of realism and spiritual abstract.
“I gained skills and built confidence I struggled to find anywhere else. Working with WRAP gives me a sense of community. I see a new perspective to approach a blank canvas, learning from others who have different experiences; embracing the art with more depth; it was freeing for the mind, fun and very focused given the small groups.”
Matilda Shields works in various mediums including paint, digital art and use of recycled materials and reflects on her experience with WRAP:
“What I gained from working with the people at WRAP? Well for starters they have provided an inclusive community where so many people all from different demographics can come together and bond with each other over a similar interest that is, being creative. I have gained much knowledge from doing these workshops and have learnt about new techniques of creating masterpieces! I love doing these workshops!”
Facilitator Vivianne Hazenveld has been a contemporary artist for over 30 years working with and teaching a broad range of mediums and has found the experience of working with WRAP artists especially rewarding.
“Having conducted many workshops for diverse groups, the experience with WRAP is extra special because of the deep sense of connection and care within the group.
The artists really dove deep and embraced the various art concepts, skills and techniques which they can now bring into their future art making. Works created really showed the joy of being in the moment and true self-expression with many unique ideas and variations on the themes. I loved seeing the artists look so happy as they held up their finished pieces.”
The session not only offer fantastic art-making benefits but also foster conversation and lots of laughter thanks largely to their special bond.”
This latest exhibition promises to be a great celebration of various styles, techniques and media. You can meet the artists at the exhibition opening celebration at 10am on Saturday December 9.
Wauchope Art Gallery is located at 7 High Street, Wauchope NSW 2446.
Wauchope Regional Arts Project is an initiative auspiced by Wauchope Community Arts Council, through DSS Information, Linkages and Capacity Building Grant.
For more information contact WRAP on 0458 787 019 or via email: wraproject@outlook.com or follow WRAP on Facebook: WRAP-Inclusive Arts or Instagram: @wrapinclusivearts.