MCCSA PROGRAMS

Active Ageing – Art and Movement


 

 

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Art and movement

Following on from MCCSA’s art and movement program and the Korean wood carving class MCCSA now has three seniors art groups which meet in it’s Gilbert St Hall. All three groups are open to new members.

Buena Amistad – a Spanish speaking art group meets on Monday mornings every two weeks from 10am to 1 pm.  This group has members from South America and Spain. Patricia Rios is the group coordinator. . The Spanish speaking group started in 2015 with a clay mural which joins people from Spain and Latin America and explores the theme of belonging, inclusiveness, welcome and effective settlement in Adelaide. These themes were very close to their hearts as they felt socially, geographically and culturally isolated. The mural is now in pride of place next to MCCSA reception. Since then they have had introductory workshops on wool and weaving loom and art health. They are currently working with mosaics.  This group have light refreshments.

The Russian speaking group started with collages and hand made Xmas decorations. Since then they have explored a variety of art techniques including painting and are currently working with silk painting. The art instructor for this group Alla Tolmacheva is a very talented artist experienced in many styles of art. The Russian speaking art group meets fortnightly from 10am to 2 pm on a Friday. Group members bring a plate to share and have a light lunch after the class.

We have previously had a Korean wood carving group that met regularly since 2016. This was a chance for class members to explore part of their cultural heritage. Led by a very talented woodcarver MCCSA’s hall has been filled up with people’s laughter and rhythmical ‘tap tap tap tap’ sounds since mid 2016.

This art class for intergenerational group of seniors aged 50 and over provides opportunities for social engagement, intergenerational bonding, reduced isolation and an increased sense of belonging to South Australia. Participants were not aware of the basics of wood carving, and therefore they were clumsy in even using the tools at first. However, their skills in wood carving and use of equipment improved over time as they gained familiarity with wood carving. In October of 2017 this group proudly held  South Australia’s first ever exhibition of Korean woodcarving in the MCCSA hall.

Through these artistic activities, participants in this group could not conceal their excitement and joy collaborating in such creative activity with each other, and are restoring the vitality of their lives. Participants are showing their enthusiastic attitude by taking their tools home and spending time practicing. As a result of such passion from the participants, the hammering sound that somewhat sounded like dull and clumsy have become more natural and rhythmic, and their skills are continuously improving to the point where they are able to create an artwork of their own. It can be expected that through these sessions of creative arts activities, the communication between the Korean participants to become even more harmonious, and that their mental well-being and self-expression to be enhanced.

The Korean art group now meets regularly for a Korean painting class. Participants are really enjoying using their creative skills in this different medium.

These art groups teach their members a variety of skills, are a chance to express their creativity and provide joy, friendship and increased wellbeing.

For information about joining one of these art groups please contact MCCSA on 8345 5266 or email [email protected].