By NIKKI TODD
PASSION and creativity have been brought together with the opening of Pottsville’s first community art space which aims to improve personal wellbeing through shared artwork.
Long-time friends Cath Downing and Cara Moloney decided to follow their passion and join forces to open the Creative Cave, an art studio with a focus on community wellbeing.
Situated near the old doctors’ rooms in The Arcade on Coronation Avenue, the Creative Cave opened last Friday with much fanfare, including a red carpet and drinks.
“We came up with this idea and everyone has just jumped on board,’’ Ms Downing said.
“There are similar hubs in Mullumbimby and elsewhere, but there’s nothing like it in Pottsville. We’ve had the most amazing response to it from everybody, it’s been fantastic. People are just pleased to be getting something like this down here.’’
Ms Downing, who recently moved to the Tweed after working in Illawarra for several years, said the hub was aimed at promoting creativity and art as a form of therapy.
“Having a background in mental health, I recognised the need for a centre that reflected the cultures of the neighbourhood and a safe creative space for those journeys to be created and shared,’’ Ms Downing said.
“We ask, we listen and then we design programs based on the needs, interests, orientation, resources (or lack thereof), and make-up of the communities and the people with whom we work.
“The mission of the Creative Cave is simple – we want people to experience creativity, wellness and happiness. We want everyone, irrespective of their age, to share a connection with their community.”
Ms Moloney said art provided a perfect opportunity to escape from the stresses of everyday life.
“Art is a great escape – you can get lost in the enjoyment of it, it is like a form of meditation, escaping from the realities of the world,’’ she said.
“I think for children that’s a really special place to be able to get to – it brings out their imagination.’’
Classes and workshops using a range of mediums are on offer for everyone, aged 4 to 104, including children’s classes, adult classes and mixed classes (adults and children).
For more information, phone Cath on 0416 027 045 or Cara on 0416 044 394.
