NEWS DESK
On stage for the young at art PERFORMING arts are used as a platform for young people’s health, sense of inclusion and feelings of wellbeing by members of Artzmartz, based at Mornington. The group is part of Smart Communities which believes in creating communities where children and young people are valued, respected and heard. It fosters projects designed by and for young people, which provide a platform for community connection and skill development, feelings of belonging and sense of purpose and control in life. “Our young people have enormous potential and, as an organisation, we hope to provide many opportunities for them to hold onto their optimism and forge futures in whatever fields capture their imagination and passion,” director Marita Fayle said. An upcoming project is The Little Mermaid Junior in which a cast of 30 will perform, as well as be involved in stage directing, musical directing, drama coaching, costuming, set design, lighting, sound and marketing.
The performance is suited to children of all ages who dream of being a beautiful mermaid, the King of the Sea or the dashing Prince Eric. The Little Mermaid Junior will be performed on the last weekend of the school holidays, 2pm and 7pm, Friday 30 September, and 2pm and 7pm, Saturday 1 October, as well as 2pm, Sunday 2 October, at Langwarrin Performing Arts Centre, 80 Warrandyte Rd, Langwarrin. For tickets visit trybooking.com/215280 Money generated from ticket sales goes back into funding programs for youth on the peninsula. Visit the Facebook page, Artzmartz Young People’s Theatre. Details: info.smartcommunities@gmail.com or info.artzmartz@gmail.com Magical kingdom below: The young mermaid Ariel, right, longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. But first she’ll have to defy her father King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, and convince Prince Eric, left, that she’s the girl with the enchanting voice.
Exhibition from the mind ARTISTS who have experienced mental illness will feature in an exhibition aimed at breaking down the stigma of mental health and improving access to treatment. The 2016 Mental Health Week Peninsula Art Exhibition, at Cube 37, Frankston Arts Centre, will showcase the work of artists who have experience of mental illness, either themselves or as carers or family members. For Peter Fanton, whose painting Justified and Ancient won best artwork at last year’s exhibition, art is “a means by which I bring into focus that which matters to me”. “I become a story-teller of my relational experience with self, others and the world around me. Creative expression has been, and continues to be, a multi-modal form of communication which feels safe and authentic,” he said.
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Frankston Times 26 September 2016
“In terms of recovery and my wellness strategies, art allows me to connect and express my values and what has meaning to me.” The exhibition is being run by Mentis Assist, a not-for-profit organisation providing specialised mental health support for people aged 16 and over living in the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula areas. Its services include homelessness support, activity groups within the community, youth support, carer and family outreach, and tailored care for individuals from dedicated support workers. The exhibition will be from Thursday to Saturday, 2-22 October at Cube 37, Frankston Arts Centre. See mentisassist.org.au/mental-health-artexhibition for more details. Winner: Justified and Ancient by Peter Fanton.