Creative Reuse Open Studio

Facilitated by Esperance Community Arts (ECA), Creative Reuse Open Studio is an ongoing project providing artists and creatives the opportunity to share their skills. With a wealth of creative talent in our community, this program aims to provide a platform for people to share their creative skills in a low-pressure environment. So far, participants in the program have learnt how to upcycle hardcover books to make journals, made Kawandi quilts from scrap material and cards from recycled materials, and learnt Japanese style Sashiko stitching and visible mending.

The Creative Reuse Open Studio is a partnership between ECA, Esperance Care Services (ECS), and the Shire of Esperance’s ‘Waste Revolution’ program. As well as the opportunity to learn new skills, the project aims to educate people about plastics pollution, particularly in our oceans. The program aims to respond to this issue by creating artworks made from plastic or other waste materials, with participants helping to reduce waste by reimagining ways to use materials that would otherwise end up as landfill. Coordinator Thuriyya Ibrahim explains that most of the materials used in the projects are provided by ECS, with participants using materials like plastic, denim, unwanted books, and old furniture, giving them a new lease on life.

The response to the Open Studio has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants enjoying the opportunity to learn new skills and share their

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own skills. “We’re really just guiding each other,” Thuriyya says. “It’s so wonderful to see people sharing their creative skills that other people might not even know about. Participants have been really generous with their time. And the people who are coming along are really enjoying the development opportunities. They’re there to learn.”

One of the recent Open Studios was led by Harry Akira, who taught Japanese style embroidery and visible mending, leading to some beautiful creations by participants. “The workshops have really aligned with my motto of designing in joy and empowering creativity,” Harry says. “Reusing and recycling makes you feel empowered. I wanted people to feel empowered to think about what they could do to fix the clothes they love and not just throw things away.”

KARLI FLORISSON

Creative Reuse Open Studio is held at Esperance Community Arts every Wednesday and Thursday from 10am to 1pm, with a range of exciting projects planned for the coming months. Anyone who has a skill that they might like to share can get in touch with Thuriyya at ECA. Follow ECA on Facebook for the latest updates on upcoming workshops and projects.