A group of SGCH tenants at Cammeray is experiencing the magic of creating art. 

This eight-week program is facilitated by art therapist Mara Lyone, who invites the group to explore their creativity by bringing to the session contributions from different artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Roy Wiggan and Sylvia Ken.  

In each session, Mara explains to the group a bit about the world view of each artist, shows some of their artworks and shares with them the most incredible and versatile materials – from native plants, flowers, sponges and cottons to all types of paint. Through using these varied materials, the participants can develop art skills such as yarn sculpture, dot painting, charcoal art and more. 

The sessions provide the participants with the opportunity to expand their senses, explore themes of good mental health and to socialise and connect. In the words of the facilitator Mara: “As each week passes, the group is becoming more engaged in artmaking and with each other and this is witnessed by reactions, stories and support for one another during the session”. 

The icing on the cake was the group’s final class on 16 June. Participants went on a free excursion to the new Sydney Modern at the Art Gallery of NSW to see the artworks that were explored weekly in the program.