Inverloch Pop-Up ART CO – the evidence of participation

Image: A young visitor admiring artist Martha Breninger’s “Ocean Goddess” soft sculpture. We created a driftwood shrine for her, and many visitors to the ARTCO created soft colourful pom-poms to adorn the shrine and make a commitment to the Ocean Goddess that they would continue to care for the environment that sustains us all.

Looking back on the creation of the ‘Inverloch Pop-Up ART CO’, it is evident that our shared love for the arts and culture was the force of nature carrying us along in it’s energy to establish this vibrant space in the small coastal town of Inverloch. From 26th December 2023 to 28th February 2024, we came together to create a hub for creativity and connection. 

Image: ART CO window murals painted by First Nations artist, Melissa McDevitt Weston. Melissa said that these murals show people coming together, travelling along rivers to gather together at a water hole.

The support of First Nations and other local artists, along with successful workshops and engaging exhibitions, made it a truly memorable and enriching experience for our community and visitors to our coastal region.

Image: ARTCO DRAMA facilitator, Henry De Oleveira, with participants in the popular after-school drama workshops for secondary school students held weekly during the month of February.

The inception of the Inverloch Pop-Up ART CO was a collaborative effort, bringing together artists, healers, and like-minded individuals who shared a passion for the arts. Our collective dedication and enthusiasm transformed the space into a haven for artistic expression and cultural appreciation. The vibrant workshops and diverse exhibitions brought people of all ages and backgrounds together, fostering a sense of belonging and creative exchange.

 

 

Image: a selection of delicious snacks and nibbles at the ARTCO pop-down party attended by local community members.

In looking back at our community arts collective project, I am filled with gratitude for everyone who contributed – volunteers, artists, facilitators, life models, workshop participants, and exhibition visitors. It is amazing to reflect on the fact that we managed to sell over $14,000 worth of art over just two months, providing a significant boost to our local regional artists over summer. The sheer number of people who passed through our doors – over 2,000 in total – and the 300 tickets sold for our workshops, are clear indicators of the community’s engagement with the arts.

Image: a participant in ARTCO’s weekly “Paint’n’Sip Still Life” session with ARTCO founder, Dr Carla van Laar.

The countless positive comments about our creative space being an asset to our small town of Inverloch serve as strong evidence of the power of the arts to bring people together and showcase local talent. It’s clear that the arts have a unique ability to connect people and enrich our community, and I am excited to continue finding new ways to make the arts accessible to everyone.

Image: ARTCO’s after school art club for kids was a wonderful creative outlet for this young artist who loved developing her skills of observation and colour appreciation.
Image: ARTCO’s weekly life drawing session was a full house every Tuesday, with participants flocking to draw together with a range of wonderfully talented life models coordinated by Tyson of Killy Life Drawing and Archie’s Creek Life Drawing.

Image: The ARTCO’s exhibition of artworks by dozens of local regional artists was attended by thousands of visitors and provided a welcome space for artists to develop lasting relationships with each other that have already led to new opportunities and collaborations. Featured in this image are (tabletop) ceramics by Trilby Parise of Shipwreck Ceramics, (left wall) prints by First Nations artist, casey Sweetman, and (right wall) paintings by Creative Arts Therapist and Painter, ARTCO founder Dr Carla van Laar.

Image: Members of the ARTCO community after a life drawing session.

Establishing the Inverloch Pop-Up ART CO embodied my belief that access to a safe creative space is essential to support the health and wellness of all members of our communities.

The participation of everyone who benefitted from the presence of the ARTCO in our small town illustrates how:

  • When a safe, creative space is accessible for use by the community, they participate
  • The arts and creativity bring people together, addressing isolation and increasing connection
  • Artists and creatives are everywhere, and when we have a place to gather, we can work together for the collective wellness of all members of communities.
Image: Juggle for Joy workshops with magician and juggler, Jeremy Grace, provided full bodied fun for participants of all ages to join in and develop their skills, just for the love of juggling.
Image: Free activities like the ARTCO Doodle Wall provided plenty of things to do for young visitors to contribute in creating the space.
Image: Local musician, singer, songwriter and community choir leader, Jenny Taylor, led numerous workshops teaching learners to play the ukelele, and singing from the heart.
Image: Intergenerational pom-pom makers reminding us how creating together has the capacity to connect us and bring us closer together through the power of shared joyful experience.
Image: ARTCO was invited to pop-up at the local Summer Series music festival at neighbouring Coal Creek. This image of the ARTCO sandwhich board and a giant floating bubble reflecting its surroundings perfectly captures the ephemeral and magical nature of our whole ARTCO summer.

To enjoy revisiting more of the ARTCO magic, please follow us on insta: @invy.artco

and visit the ARTCO webpage to read more about all the wonderful Bass Coast artists and creators who made it so incredibly special. 

The remarkable impact of the Inverloch Pop-Up ART CO is undeniable evidence of the tremendous value of providing accessible, safe creative spaces for our communities. The enthusiastic participation and tangible connections nurtured through this initiative exemplify the power of the arts in promoting community wellness. With the support and funding for initiatives like ART CO, we can continue to nurture and strengthen our communities, providing vital resources we all need for our health and well-being.

This article is proudly brought to you by Dr Carla van Laar.

Dr Carla is an artist and creative arts therapist living and working on beautiful Boon Wurrung Country down in the south east of Australia in the coastal country township of Inverloch.

She is a passionate advocate for access to creative arts and wellness for all members of our communitiies.

Dr Carla leads by example, in her role as Convenor of PACFA’s College of Creative and Experiential Therapies (CCET),

Founder of the Creative Mental Health Forum and Collective Care Retreat,

Author of articles, resources and books about the power of the arts for healing and wellness.

Dr Carla offers:

individual and small group creative arts therapy sessions at her Inverloch studio,

professional supervision for therapists and counsellors,

creative professional development workshops,

art therapy first aid training

commissioned artworks,

art and mindfulness wellbeing programs,

and arts project development and facilitation.

Please contact Dr Carla with any enquiries at Carlavanlaar@gmail.com

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