Published on Thursday, 24 April 2025 at 1:33:26 PM
For Immediate Release
24 April 2025
The Shire of East Pilbara and the Shire of Ashburton have organised a series of artists workshops for local residents across their two major towns, Newman and Tom Price in a joint arts project.
East Pilbara Shire President Anthony Middleton said the program received grant funding from Regional Arts WA and was developed to show attendees techniques from professional artists and allow participants to achieve a deeper engagement with the arts.
“The sessions aim to connect people and provide opportunities for artists to be profiled to new audiences, partnerships and networks,” he said.
“This collaboration working with the Shire of Ashburton to extend this initiative, ensures our regional communities have access to the arts.
Participants will have fun learning various skills including photography hacks, how to recycle second-hand clothes and save them from landfill and make a wooden table. In workshops with Jacky Cheng, participants will explore the dynamics of community engagement through Orizome – the art of folding and dyeing Japanese papers.
In Tom Price additional workshops will be presented by Jodie Thompson and Richard Brooks. In Jodie’s workshop, the inspiration is graffiti by Banksy, whose exhibition Jodie recently saw in Melbourne.
Other artists teaching the sessions include Carrie McDowell, Gary Mayfield and Eleanour Lukale who will deliver classes to showcase different forms of sewing, woodwork, and photography.
In Tom Price additional workshops will be presented by Jodie Thompson and Richard Brooks. In Jodie’s workshop, the inspiration is graffiti by Banksy, whose exhibition Jodie recently saw in Melbourne.
Ashburton Shire President Audra Smith said the Shire of Ashburton is proud to collaborate with the Shire of East Pilbara on this exciting Rural Art Workshop initiative.
“These workshops will provide our communities with invaluable opportunities to engage with the arts, learn new skills, and connect with talented local and regional artists,” she said.
“Art has the power to bring people together.”
President Smith said by making these workshops accessible in Tom Price and Newman, residents can have fun and creative experiences.
“This initiative not only enhances creative expression but also supports local artists and encourages cultural exchange.
“I can’t wait to see our community members get involved, try new things, and enjoy the workshop. This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone, and I encourage you to get involved.”
Participants will be able to upcycle an item of clothing or an old art canvas/painting that they have brought in from home. Whether a t-shirt, an old pair of jeans, runners, denim jacket or canvas tote bag, Jodie will show how to transform the old piece into something new.
This exciting community program for both Shires will run over five months with events currently planned from June to October 2025.
ENDS
Shire of East Pilbara Phone: (08) 9175 8000
Shire of Ashburton Phone: (08) 9188 4420
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