Maitland Hosts Art Exhibition for Charitable Ventures
flashy art exhibition by the Maitland Support Group last month garnered plenty of buzz, and a generous dose of finances too! Entitled Peering through pandemics' windows, the exhibit featured fiber art by Helen Tolhurst, the group's head honcho and a retired GP who's battling Parkinson's. The exhibition officially debuted with a grand opening by Cassie Morgan, Parkinson's NSW's Support Group Coordinator.
Helen's artworks were a creative blend of mediums - some masterpieces were crafted using hand-made felt derived from wool and silk fibers, while others showcased synthetic materials that had been hand-dyed. All these precious creations were then intricately embellished with wool, silk, cotton, and synthetic threads, some even featuring pieces sculpted from polymer clay.
Proceeds from art sales on the day, as well as a generous $1,000 donation from the craft group of Walker Grange Lifestyle Village, went towards bolstering the Maitland Support Group's coffers. The group is contemplating spending this windfall on remote car racing, learning the rhythm of African drumming, and setting up a vibrant choir.
The Maitland Support Group, a lively community of 70 strong, sprang to life in 2019, growing swiftly from a mere 12 participants. While the future activities funded by this art exhibition are yet to be unveiled, Maitland has a rich tapestry of support programs and community events:
- NAMI Family Support Group: Offers free, peer-led support for adults tethered to loved ones grappling with mental health issues.
- NAMI Connection: Another peer-led support group for adults oxygenating amidst mental health challenges, operating every Tuesday.
- Maitland Community Listening Event: A spotlight on community pressures and loneliness, though without mentioning any funding from an art exhibition.
- Volunteer Opportunities in Maitland: A melting pot of volunteer organizations promoting advocacy, health, and various other sectors, but no mention of art exhibition-funded activities.
For further insights regarding the art exhibition or its wider impact, it's best to reach out to the organizers or stay abreast of local news updates.
In light of the success of the art exhibition, the Maitland Support Group could potentially invest in fitness-and-exercise programs, such as learning African drumming, to promote physical health and wellness among its members. Additionally, this windfall might be used to support mental-health initiatives, like the NAMI Family Support Group and NAMI Connection, providing essential resources for those addressing mental health issues within their support network.
