north east regional extra | March 2 - 8, 2022
nemedia.com.au
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March 2 - 8, 2022
◆ PROUD ARTISTS: Janine Arnold, Alex McKensie, Ian Demmery, Stevie 2 Hats and facilitator Shea O’keefe. PHOTO: Belinda Harrison
Artistic creativity is for everyone By BELINDA HARRISON SHEA O’Keefe has been a practising artist for more than 20 years, exhibiting locally and across Australia and her passion for bringing out the best not only in herself, but in her studio artists is infectious. From an early age, Shea realised that creating art was the best way to process her emotions, express herself and heal and it has been the foundation of the majority of her artworks. “I began facilitating programs and workshops in the community in my mid-20s to help others
to use the power of creativity in the same way,” Shea said. “Many years ago I facilitated an art program with local youth at risk here in Wangaratta and this program was really where I formulated the structure of how I assist people in their art making. “A little over six years ago I began an art program specifically for people experiencing mental ill health. “The program became such an integral part of some of these people’s lives and it was really quite obvious to me that I needed to continue to
provide the service to the greater community.” And so it was that Artmania Wangaratta was born, moving into their lovely upstairs studio in Reid Street a little over two years ago. Operating in partnership with Connextions to enable people supported by the NDIS to access the service, Artmania provides a supported, safe environment where creativity and goals can be freely explored and achieved. Studio artist Steve 2 Hats has been with Shea for four years and said that creating art is relaxing and makes him feel peaceful. “Coming to Artmania with my dog Pixie gets
YOUR GARDEN
ANIMAL CARE
WINE TALK
with HELEN
with BENNET
with ANITA
me out and around other people,” Steve said. “I enjoy being in here and doing my artwork and getting Shea’s help. “I never used to paint till I came here and now I have been in exhibitions and sold my work too. “It makes me feel proud of myself and my family is proud of me too.” The inclusive studio welcomes all people and all creative endeavours with the artists having the freedom to work in whatever creative platform sparks their interests - whether visual art, sculpture, printmaking, jewellery, crafts or music.
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