The Positive Wellness Recovery Centre (PWRC) hosted a portraiture workshop with Archibald prize-winning artist Peter Wegner at their headquarters in Kalkallo last month.
The workshop was generously funded by the City of Whittlesea, and 15 community members quickly registered to attend free of charge to learn how to draw a portrait of PWRC founder and clinical director Dr Francis Acquah AM, who generously stood in to model.
Mr Wegner is well known for his Centenarian series, a range of drawings, oil paintings, and sculptures that features men and women who have reached the wonderful age of 100 and beyond.
An exploration into dignity and what it means to have a productive and meaningful life, the series has seen Mr Wegner draw over 100 centenarians during the last eight years.
Mr Wegner was encouraging and relaxed with the students as he demonstrated his expertise in portraiture using charcoal on paper.
“Charcoal is so beautiful, I just love it,” he said.
“You build up a drawing with lines and add the tone.
“The more you draw, the easier it becomes. Drawings are like time capsules.”
Art-ish, a social enterprise founded by Castein Chimanya, supplied the easels, charcoal, and paper for the workshop.
Mr Chimanya said Art-ish endeavoured to create a welcoming environment where people could come together to create memories, while simultaneously creating meaningful employment pathways for emerging artists to pursue their passions.
“But what I love most about Art-ish is the sense of connected community that we have created,” he said.
“If you attend our events, you will feel this same sense of joy, creativity, and community.
“And I hope that, like me, you discover that creativity should not stay in your garage but needs to be shared with the world.”
Art therapy is just one way PWRC strengthens community bonds through their vibrant support network. The team at PWRC celebrate diversity and inclusion for all, but most importantly, share a vision to foster a healthier and more resilient community through their programs at the Kalkallo Wellbeing Hub.
Dr Acquah AM’s long-term vision is to see the community shift their thoughts from mental ‘illness’ to mental ‘wellness’.
To learn more about Art-ish, visit www.art-ish.com.au.
To learn more about the PWRC Wellbeing Hub, visit www.pwrc.com.au.
