On the Coast – Over 55 Issue 31 I September/October 2019 | Page 7

From little things big things can grow! The Makers Studio Central Coast Inc started in April 2016 taking over the premises at the back of the Lions Community Hall. With a membership of only 13 people, $107 in the bank, a printing press, some tables and chairs, The Makers Studio was formed. Finding a way to generate revenue to pay for things like rent, electricity and public liability, the committee set about gathering information on Master Printmakers and Artists that could run workshops for members and the community. Invitations saw printmakers Alexis Neale and Dagmar Dyck arrive from New Zealand. This was a booming success with a participant travelling from New Zealand. Since then The Makers has held workshops with both internationally and nationally famous printmakers and artists such as Gary Shinfield, Seraphina Martin, Karen Ball and Sarah Ross Thompson. Members have had incredible group exhibitions at Kooindah Waters, Wyong, Waterline Gallery, RePublik Cafe Ettalong and planning is underway for an annual member’s exhibition entitled For Love of Country at Gloucester Gallery in December this year. This exhibition was arranged following an invitation from the Gloucester Gallery. The Makers Studio has made its mark internationally with last year’s Print Exchange seeing entrants from the USA, UK, Germany, India and Poland as well as entrants from across Australia. Every Thursday is Creative Support Day where members can bring their projects along and receive support and use facilities for $20 a day. Members are also able to participate in special Introductory Courses in printmaking techniques run by experienced members of the group who specialise in different areas e.g. aluminium with hard ground, tetra pak, woodblock. Introductory courses other than printmaking are on offer from time to time with a member’s workshop on Shirbori dyeing being held soon. The Makers Studio has come a long way from its humble beginnings; it now boasts two printing presses, a multicolour screen-printing carousel donated by Hip Pocket Workwear & Safety, a wonderful undercover outdoor area and a shed to store its expanding specialised equipment. The membership is now over 60 strong and The Makers is able to generate a reasonable amount of revenue to enable it to purchase art supplies for workshops for community and members as well as pay for utilities. For further information visit our website www.themakersstudio.org.au Facebook page www.facebook.com/ themakersstudio/ or contact our president Cheryl McCoy 0414 220 855. Shop 4 Niagara Park Shops 16 Washington Avenue Niagara Park NSW 2250 P. 02 4320 4000 E. [email protected] tbaagedcare.com.au Aged Care Financial Planning Our services include: • Aged Care Facility Negotiations • Aged Care Fee Minimisation Aged care financial advisers you can trust • Centrelink & DVA Maximisation • Cashflow Analysis • Family Home options TBA Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN 46 002 163 886) t/as TBA Aged Care Financial Advisers is an authorised representative and credit representative of AMP Financial Planning Pty Limited, Australian Financial Services Licensee and Australian Credit Licensee. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER – ISSUE 31 7