By Jena Carr
A free Geelong West art exhibition is promoting the work of older artists during October for the Victorian Seniors Festival.
The Geelong Art Society will host the exhibition at the Shearer’s Arms Gallery until October 26, with an opening day on October 6 filled with art demonstrations, prizes and refreshments.
Committee member Michele Karakasch said art was “critical” for people aged 55 and over and that there were some “pretty talented older artists” in the community.
“A lot of people are artistic and, because they’ve got careers and stuff, they may not follow their artistic thing until they retire,” she said.
“When they retire, they don’t know where or how to go about reconnecting with their work…and the possibility of hanging their work in a gallery is an opportunity that is not available to many people.
“We’ve always been trying to support art in the community for the young and old…and this is an opportunity for them to display their work to the community, friends and family.”
The exhibition’s open day will also feature a performance by Awkardstra Geelong, an inclusive community orchestra with musicians aged 17 and over.
Victorian Seniors Festival runs from October 1 to 31 to encourage older people to stay connected with their community under this year’s theme of ‘Explore. Engage. Evolve.’.
The event was also supported with a City of Greater Geelong Positive Ageing grant, with no booking required to attend the gallery or opening event.
