With lockdown extended we think a little community arts cheer is in order … so Lee and I have started work on two new community projects to see us all through the next couple of weeks.

Painted timber blocks … step one!

The first is an interactive neighbourhood project that we’ll need some creative help with …instructions and materials should be out the front of ACC over the weekend for you to collect. Look out for our community art bins … and join in!

We’re also planning to do a little ‘marker of the times’ installation onsite. We are certainly living in a unique era … we think it could be cool to acknowledge it. More to come on this soon.

I’m looking forward to:

• More sunshine ☀️ - the weekend was pretty great!

• Our short courses starting (Women in the Shed with Maylei, Woodworking Projects with Dave and Drawing with Louisa are all kicking off this week).

• Arty Gardening on Friday … parents and kids, oldies and youngies … and anyone in between who enjoys creative outdoorsy activities is welcome to join Katrina in the garden and/or shed from 10.30am. This week we’ll be decorating and filling seed packets. Then why not stay for morning tea (at 11.30am with Kalimna).

• Our new play equipment arriving - finally. Lockdown delayed things a little, but we have a new cubby and sandpit now arriving (fingers crossed) on Wednesday. They’re going to be pretty gorgeous we think! Pop past later in the week for a play.

• Catching up with more of you! I did see lots of people last week and catch up on their news, but I was sick on Friday and missed seeing all our regular Friday friends. Hopefully this week!

Pods collected for nature play - in the garden on Wednesday (Playtime in the Garden) and Friday (Arty Gardening) mornings. There are activities on every weekday morning at ACC for young families.

Unfortunately due to the latest lockdown we had to cancel our in-person launch of Gabe Freeman’s gorgeous collage collection in our street gallery … so we made a little video instead. You can watch it here.

But of course, if you live in the ‘hood you can take a stroll past anytime and check it out.

Alphington Neighbourhood Gallery is a 24/7 community arts initiative celebrating and sharing creativity in our local neighbourhood.

Local Gabe Freeman is the next artist to feature in Alphington Neighbourhood Gallery, the paste up gallery on the fence at Alphington Community Centre.

We’ll be launching her works this Friday (16 July) at 11.30am at Morning Tea on the Corner. Come along for coffee, cake, a chat … and help us support local artists and celebrate our creative and vibrant community oriented neighbourhood all at the same time.

You can find out more about Gabe here. And get a sneak peak at her work. Or check her out on Instagram here.

Also, we have some beautiful giclee prints in our office for $85 and cards for $5. Pop in anytime we’re open.

We’re back on Monday 12 July raring to go for Term 3 after 2 weeks of school holidays.

And we’re looking forward to rolling out some new programs including:

• Arty Gardening - Friday mornings $5 for crafty fun in the garden and shed. Katrina will be here to set up a series of weekly activities. suitable for young families and people of all ages and abilities.

• CLAG (collage) - Join Kristian for a 6 week collage workshop in the evenings. Cut, paste and create. Work on individual or shared projects. Explore collage artists and all the possibilities. Suitable for beginners to more experienced artists.

• Woodworking Projects - Dave’s back in the shed. Join him for a 4 week workshop where you’ll have the chance to get his help and advice as you work on a project of your choice.

Interested? You can check out our full program here. And book in here.