From humble beginnings of creativity to an annual community event, Moore Park Beach Arts Inc will celebrate its 20th anniversary on 21 January.
Founding member Muriel Patterson shares her memories from the early days through to what has now grown to become a much-loved community organisation.
Muriel said it began more than two decades ago, when she and Leone Burgess formed a new friendship.
“It all began in 1998 when… Leona and I started meeting in the shelter near the Moore Park Beach caravan park, we would take along a painting or craft piece that we were working on; two others soon joined us,” she said.
“One very wet, windy day the proprietors of the caravan park offered us the use of their back room (the now caravan park reception) and we started having small workshops, and soon opened a small gallery.”
Within a year the small group had grown in popularity as they welcomed more and more community members to take part in artisan workshop weekends.
“The response was amazing, and a very successful weekend of workshops was held in the community hall and a small art exhibition was held in the bowls club,” she said.
“In April 2000, our workshops had increased to such an extent that we decided to hold a second weekend in November, and again included an art exhibition in the bowls club, kites on the beach and horses moving to music on the oval.
“It was time to formalise our group, become incorporated, get insurance so we could apply for a RADF Grant.”
Now 20 years later Moore Park Beach Arts Inc continues to celebrate the artist community with its annual Moore Park Beach Arts Festival.
The free family event grows each year and offers workshops, performances, markets and an art exhibition, which attracts people from all around the wider community.
Muriel said the event and the organisation wouldn’t be possible without the efforts from dedicated volunteers who are passionate about the seaside community.
This year the festival will be held on Saturday 20 August, with events planned during the year as well. To find out more click here.
