ART WORKSHOP
THE ART OF SOUL
Regina Coupar’s book The Art of Soul
reveals that the alignment of body, mind and soul required by an artist
for drawing and painting is comparable to what happens during
meditation. The book is used at this series of workshops as a basis to
explore themes of light, colour and perspective in relation to spiritual
development. Even people who have never picked up a brush but are keen
to experiment can benefit from her teaching.
■ The Open Door, 110 Ann Street, Dandenong. 10am-noon Wednesdays until September 18. Suggested donation $5. 9791 8664.
CONCERT
EMERGE FESTIVAL
Dance, drums and songs will celebrate the cultural talents of the
people of Dandenong at the Emerge Festival. The festival aims to empower
and connect emerging artists and communities from refugee backgrounds.
Asanti Dance Theatre will entertain with its African drum and dance
ensemble, Hazara pop singer Taqi Khan, from Afghanistan, will hold the
stage and 15-piece cultural group Nga Taonga O Wikitoria will perform
Maori song and dance. Members of Tebe Cultural Group and St Bakhita’s
choir will collaborate with young people to bring together the music of
Timor and South Sudan.
■ Drum Theatre, 226 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. 2pm Saturday July 20. Free, bookings required. 8571 1666.
ART
REFUGEE ART PRIZE AND EXHIBITION
Refugee artists show their talents at Heartlands Refugee Art Prize and Exhibition,
presented by Dandenong council, Multicultural Arts Victoria and AMES,
which helps refugees and migrants settle in the community. The
exhibition features painting, sculpture, photography and drawings by
artists from diverse cultural backgrounds. A local artist will be
awarded a City of Greater Dandenong prize of $500.
■ Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre,
corner of Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong. 11am-5pm weekdays,
11am-3pm Saturdays until July 27. Free. 9706 8441.
RELIGION
MESSY CHURCH
Messy Church offers craft activities, an interactive biblical
story and a free evening meal for adults and children to enjoy together
while learning about Jesus. The idea of the creative Messy Church began
in England and is growing in popularity around the world.
■ St James’ Anglican Church, Langhorne Street, Dandenong. 4pm-6pm Sunday July 28. Free. 9793 3898.
INFORMATION
DISABILITY RESPITE AND RECREATION EXPO
The Disability, Respite and Recreation Expo offers information for
parents and carers of people with disabilities about assistance
available to them, as well as advice on relief and recreation
opportunities. People who attend can connect with others in similar
situations and ask questions of staff members and volunteers.
■ Dandenong Market, corner of Clow and Cleeland streets, Dandenong. 10am-2pm Thursday August 29. Free. 8552 2222.
SPRINGVALE SNOW FEST
Cooper, Oliver and Caitlyn (pictured) might be cold, but the
excitement of falling snow makes winter worthwhile. This weekend’s
inaugural Springvale Snow Fest will transform Springvale into a winter
wonderland, complete with a glorious real snow play area, lion dance,
roving performers and winter decorations. Light snowfalls along
Buckingham Avenue will set the mood as families attending the festival
enjoy rides, cultural performances, building snowmen and ice sculpting.
■ Corner of Buckingham and Balmoral
avenues, Springvale. 1pm-7pm Sunday July 21. $5 entry includes all
rides. www.greaterdandenong.com.
