Six-year-old artist Rhys Weier has become the youngest member of the Childers Visual Art Group, joining after watching his sister take part in the creative organisation.
Rhys and his sister Isabelle are anomalies among the more experienced members due to their age and have brought with them enthusiastic energy which is positively influencing the group.
Rhys' mother Nikki Weier said since joining he had been learning new skills and perspectives.
“Rhys said he is learning a lot about ‘my backyard’ because group theme for the upcoming exhibition is a response to what you find in your own backyard,” Nikki said.
“He has been busy working alongside some of the older artists to create a pottery goat artwork, after his favourite pet goat ‘Kevin’.”
Alice McLaughlin from Childers Visual Art Group said the reason they decided to keep the younger members on was because of the lovely energy they provided.
“I appreciate the simplicity of their work and the adults are getting a benefit from them being part of the group,” Alice said.
“They take in everything I say, and they attempt it in their own way, which is much simpler, which is great to point out to the adults as they get to learn how to simplify their work from the children’s work.
“They are learning all the time as they listen to the instructions, and they are learning to look and see and take the things they like out of the people’s work and try and do it themselves.
“In an aging population it is encouraging to see such a space created when we are in a position to understand the effects of isolation and loneliness and especially the connection between art and good mental health.”
The Childers Visual Art Group has created a welcoming safe space where creatives can relax, create and be social, meeting every Thursday morning.
While Rhys loves being part of the group and attending the classes, he said his favourite part was the spread of home baked goodies for morning tea that members bring along to share.
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