Discover our creative art studios
We have two creative art centres created specifically for artists living with disability – Boonah in West Pymble and Tarooki in Brookvale. With great music and an easy atmosphere, the studios are calm and welcoming places to create. Participants are supported to explore their creativity and develop their own artistic style.
Highly trained and experienced facilitators coordinate each session, bringing a unique mix of artistic and therapeutic talent, as well as experience in the disability sector. Artists build confidence and resilience and enjoy inviting guests to visit the studios and promotion of their works happens throughout the year with artists working toward an annual art exhibition with proceeds going to the artist, recognising their talent and achievement.
Creating art is uplifting and at the heart of our programs is the wellbeing of our artists. Art making is a therapeutic tool which promotes confidence, resilience and transcends the artist’s disability giving them meaning and purpose. Many long-term friendships have been forged between our artists. It’s wonderful for building self-confidence and the processes involved provide ample opportunities for decision making and choice.
- Boonah is open Monday to Friday with classes from 9.00am – 12.00pm and 12.30pm – 3.30pm. Artists can choose to explore a range of different mediums in their practice. These include acrylic paints, watercolours and inks, as well as drawing, there are also a small number of sculptural options that artists can explore. Established in 1995, the space also operates as a gallery, which is open to the public. Visit us at Shop 27, The Philip Mall, Philip Lane, West Pymble.
- Tarooki is open Monday to Friday 9.00am – 3.00pm allowing for plenty of time to work at a relaxed pace on projects. While there is a strong focus on ceramics, traditional painting and drawing is also practiced and artists can switch between the two during their day in the studio. Visit us at Unit 9B/44 Wattle Road, Brookvale.
Pop by or give us a buzz. We’d love to show you around!
For more information:
P: 1800 324 924
E: info@catholiccaredbb.org.au
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Our public exhibitions are of paramount importance to our artists as it highlights and cements their identity. They provide a platform for them to be appreciated in a mainstream space. Proceeds go to the artist, recognising their talent and achievement.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, our studios are open to all adults with disability. You do not need to be Catholic or religious at all!
Artists at Boonah can choose to explore a range of different mediums in their practice. These include acrylic paints, watercolours and inks, as well as drawing, there are also a small number of sculptural options that artists can explore.
While there is a strong focus on ceramics, traditional painting and drawing is also practiced.
We do have art therapists on staff, but the service we offer is more focused on artist engagement and artistic practice as opposed art therapy.
Yes, we can charge through the NDIS or through private funding, depending on the needs of the individual.
Currently we offer classes to people over the age of 18 only.
Yes. We accept either a fee-for-service or NDIS funding.
No. Boonah has a focus on providing a space for artists with a disability, but we also accept others who might like to join us and explore art making.
A typical day is split into 2 sessions, a morning session from 9.00am – 12.00pm and afternoon session from 12.30pm – 3.30pm. A person can choose to attend either one or both sessions in the day, with optional lunch support in between.
A typical day runs from 9.00am – 3.00pm and there is plenty of time to work at a relaxed pace on projects.
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