Hanging by a Thread –  Mosaic for Afghan Women

Many of our mosaic students from our Beechwood  Mosaic classes contributed to the NSW artwork - Hanging by a Thread –  Mosaic for Afghan Women

An international community mosaic project.

Francessca O’Donnell is the NSW Rep for the MAANZ,  Mosaic Association of Australia and New Zealand and was the co-ordinator for the NSW Branch for this project. With fellow mosaicists Laurene Wilson, Wendy Tanner and Annie Balcomb,  completion and installation of this artwork,  will open at the Wagga Wagga Regional Art Gallery in October, as part of the International year of glass. This gallery houses the largest selection of Australia’s glass art collection. We are very honoured to display this important  artwork  there,  before a Regional tour and possible assembly of these artworks from around the country in Canberra in 2023.

Mosaic artists from around the globe have been working since September 2021 to bring attention to the world about the social and economic conditions of Afghan women and girls after the takeover of the Taliban Over 1000 participants from 45 countries have created a mosaic of 10 x 25 cm to be assembled as mosaic scarves.

Participating artists drew inspiration from Afghan motives embroidered on a dress and made their own interpretation. These small art segments are assembled into a collective artwork. They represent the resilience of Afghan culture beyond its own borders in different parts of the world. Afghan culture will survive outside of its own country and reminds us that our own freedom is also Hanging by a Thread.

 In Australia in Autumn this year, one scarf installation artwork will be exhibited in each state: New South Wales – National Glass Museum in Wagga Wagga, Queensland – Brisbane City Library, Western Australia, South Australia – SA Migration Museum, Victoria - Docklands and Immigration Museum, and Tasmania – Devonport Council.

https://www.facebook.com/mosaicforafghanwomen

 Coordination for Australia by Kristin Wohlers (wohlersKristin@gmail.com) & Beate Linckelmann – a project supported by IYOG 2022, MAANZ Mosaic Association of Australia and New Zealand, Radiant Heat WA, Mapei Australia    

These are the individual pieces that will form the artwork to be displayed at the Wagga Wagga Regional Art Gallery.

After A fabulous Open Studio's Weekend, we are all looking forward to Art Walk 2021 →

What a pleasure it was collaborating with local artists Angela Marr-Grogan and Stu Doherty to bring Open Studio’s to the Public. There was great interest in the workshops - Mandala Stone Art with Angela, Watercolour technique - Gum Loaf Study with Stu , Mosaic Mandala with myself and Traditional weaving with Trish McInherny from Weaving Thyme. Also going us were the fabulous David Brooker and Fiona Solley.

Delectable food was supplied by Infinity Co.Evolve and thank you must go to the public who were such a fun and enthusiastic support for the two days.

The Fish that got away !!

After the recent floods, ‘The Fishing Tale’ my most recent art install at the Boat Ramp at Wauchope, was destroyed….. totally washed away !

In fact the whole Boat ramp, the newly upgraded Children’s Park and most of the lower end of the park no longer exists.

Compared to the loss and devastation suffered by so many, the destruction of this new art work only 3 weeks from completion and a week to the opening of the whole park is disappointing but not devastating. But just wanted to share the images of what was…….It was a fun project to work on !

ART TRAIL / OPEN STUDIO'S 2021

SATURDAY April 10th & SUNDAY April 11th 10am - 4pm

Out There Escapes - 2 Coachwood Close Frazers Creek NSW

Come join us for two inspiring days to elevate, create and connect, in the picturesque gardens of 'Out There Escapes' in Beechwood, nestled in the Hinterland of the Mid North Coast, NSW

Well known local artist Francessca O'Donnell, is collaborating with Angela-Grogan and local artists, to bring you an opportunity to enjoy creative workshops, be inspired by art and mosaic demonstrations, or wander the lush  gardens for a chance to reconnect with self and nature.  

Workshops will be held in traditional basket weaving, mandala stone art, water colour techniques and mosaic. There will also be demonstrations in basket weaving, mandala painting and mosaic. Bespoke artworks, jewellery and woven works, will be on display for viewing and sale.

Our in house Chef, Gaye White form Infinity Co., is offering a delicious menu featuring local produce to pre order and enjoy picnic style under the trees in the extensive gardens,  or light refreshments on the deck over looking the mountains.

 CONTACT DETAILS

M: Francessca 0402 856582   Angela 0418989077

E:  chessca@gmail.com

W: www.theouttherecollective.com

Booking link for workshops: https://www.theouttherecollective.com/art-trail-bookings

ARTISTS: 

             Angela Marr- Grogan  - Mandala rock art

             Francessca O’Donnell – Mosaic Mandala

             Trish McInherney – Traditional weaving 

Stu Doherty - Water Colour Techniques - Gum leaf study

WORKSHOPS/BIO/LINKS

Francessca O’Donnell – Mosaic Mandala

Mosaic Mandalas and circles are part of this weekend’s theme, representing unity and the harmony of the circle of life.

In this workshop you will have the opportunity to create a blue/green toned mandala or red and orange toned mandala to take home and enjoy.

The mandala will be created with glass tiles onto a pre-painted MDF circle and you will have the opportunity to learn more about this ancient art form under the tuition of well know local artist Francessca O’Donnell in her creative space studio’s.

BIO- Francessca is a design graduate from Sydney College of the Arts and has been working as a professional Artist for over 16 years. Better known for her mosaic installations for private, corporate and community projects, her art practice and teaching cover many genres including mosaic, painting, sculpture, jewellery & costume design.

 In 2008 she established Out There Design and Mosaic and later became NSW State Rep for MAANZ ~ The Mosaic Association of Australia and New Zealand. 

 Francessca’s awards and exhibitions have been in both painting and mosaic and her art has appeared numerous publications including the Mosaic Art Yearbook and Australian Artist Magazine. 

You can find Francessca’s artworks in collections both in Australia and overseas. The diverse range of commissions cover contemporary paintings and mosaic mural’s, to costume designs for the Milwaukee Ballet Company in the US and the writing and illustrating of  ‘Lola had a dream’,  a children’s book based on one of the characters she created for the Hello Koala Trail.

https://facebook.com/outtheredesignandmosaic/

https://www.instagram.com/outtheredesignandmosiac/

https://instagram.com/outthereescapes

https://www.facebook.com/outthereescapes/

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 Angela Marr- Grogan  - Mandala  Stone Art 

Learn intricate dotting techniques and create your very own mandala stone.

Join Angela Marr- Grogan for 2 hours of fun, relaxation and creativity while she guides you through the creative process to create your mandala stone art.

Angela is an experienced artist and workshop facilitator with a love for dotting and the mandala art form.

  • All materials supplied

  • Small studio groups, so individual attention guaranteed

  • Accredited and experienced teacher | facilitator

  • A fun space and a work of art you'll be proud to showcase

  • Image for illustration purposes | workshop design and colour scheme will vary

BIO - Angela Marr- Grogan is a Birrbay woman with connections to the Dhanggatti and Warrimay people on the North Coast of New South Wales. 

She has a love of country, culture and all things creative, and has been painting professionally within the industry for over 12 years. 

She specialises in custom commissioned works of art, and creating meaningful imagery and designs for individuals, organisations, Reconciliation Action Plans and Aboriginal programs. 

Angela's works of art are contemporary, bold and fresh, and symmetrical in style and feature intricate dot, line work, circles and concentric rings.  She paints circles and dots for their timelessness, beauty and symbolism. 

They are not only aesthetically beautiful but represent a spiritual connectedness to her.

"As an Aboriginal woman and artist, I am extremely passionate about celebrating and promoting my culture through art and language. I'm also  inspired and driven by the depth of Aboriginal culture and my place within it. Sharing my stories and expressing my connection to my people and country through art is a spiritual and rewarding experience for me."

 If you would like to learn more about Angela you can visit her website and social media pages at:

https://culturalindustries.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/culturalindustriesanddesign/

https://www.instagram.com/cultural_industries/         

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Trish McInherney – Weaving and Thyme 

Join Trish a master weaver to learn the unique traditional art of Lomandra Coil Weaving, to create your very own unique dreaming pendant.

Bio- Trish McInherney is a Birpai woman who resides in country, the Hastings. Trish has a background in primary/secondary and Tertiary teaching and loves to share her culture through art. Trish exhibits, runs workshops and online lessons

https://facebook.com/weavingthyme/

Stu Doherty

Stu Doherty is a watercolour artist and designer living in Beechwood.

With a successful creative career spanning decades that includes teaching Illustration and Design at the prestigious White House Institute of Design and also designing menswear’s for some of Australia’s top fashion labels and department stores.

Stu has swapped the fast paced world of the Sydney design scene for a creative tree change on the mid North Coast.

This is an excellent opportunity to learn watercolour techniques as well incorporate the elements and principles of design into your creative practice as taught by a professional.

He has exhibited at galleries in Sydney and is now available for small workshops at Out There Studio.

“ Watercolour is like a meditation for me, the relaxed process takes me out of my everyday world and opens my flow of creativity.”

WATERCOLOUR TECHNIQUES

learnt to create a beautiful study of gum leaves in this exclusive 2 hour workshop.

Stu will demonstrate the techniques of Watercolour used in this exercise:

Wash.

Wet in wet.

Glazing.

Masking.