Roomies Artspace

Upcoming Exhibition

2012-02-02T12:45:00.000+11:00

Roomies kicks of the Year off the Dragon with its first exciting event. By special invitation Clarrice will have three works included in Damien Minton Gallery's opening show for the year "Five Bells: A Visual Ode to Sydney"
Opening this Sat 4 Feb 2-4pm.
Address 61-63 Great Buckingham St Redfern

Exhibition dates Wed 1 to Sat 18 February 2012.
We think Clarrice's work will sit nicely alongside artists such Elisabeth Cummings, Euan Macleod, Peter Kingston, Martin Sharp to name a few. The theme for the show, inspired by a poem by Kenneth Slessor and a book by Delia Falconer entitled "Sydney" explores in a visual manner the perennial discussion around what IS the city of Sydney. Don't miss Clarrice's personal interpretations embellished in window wire and wool.

Click here for more info and artwork images

Clarrice finishing off her work "The Cricket Match on the Hill"

Happy New Year

2012-02-02T12:25:00.004+11:00

As we get ready for the year's art projects,

we say goodbye to our manager,

Julia and send her off with a collage by Phyllis Grima from Denroma.

Phyllis has just begun to use collage

on canvas and her flowers are colorful and fun.

We hope to develop more card making in 2012 and offer them to the public.

Since most boardng houses charge up to 95% of their pension for living and care, it leaves many boaarding house residents with little or no money to feel autonomous with.

Just $10 extra a week gives someone a trip to a cafe, library, and some experience outside of boarding house life.

Christmas time for Roomies

2011-12-14T19:12:00.000+11:00

It is Christmas time for Roomies Artists.

They joined residents from neighboring boarding houses for a shindig yesterday.

The fruit punch was full of fresh rockmelon and watermelon,

and bubble sets were on every table.

The band played so many songs everyone knew and many sang along.
I loved watching the faces.

Kevin enjoyed himself so much he had to walk the excitement off.

It was fun and games trying to find him,

but he returned safely after a tip to the local Macdonalds.

A fellow roomies artist and philosopher,

Leon danced till the feast appeared.

The punch flowed..

And Roomies manager Julia danced the afternoon away.

Getting ready for Christmas

2011-11-28T16:24:00.001+11:00

Clarrice and Dave are working on window wire tapestry with Christmas themes.

Dave is finishing off a large tree that features Clarrice's signature dogs.

All her dogs face left.

Small works of window wire become brooches and seem to be very popular at this time of year.

Want one? Leave a comment and a volunteer will get back to you.

Roomies has a new blog helper

2011-11-18T08:57:00.001+11:00

Roomies Art space just got itself a blog helper - Me!

I really look more like this:

I've been a guerilla knitter for a few years now,

and on a large project, Clarrice came and helped.

But Clarrice things putting good knitting on a pole

is a waste of wool, so we dont do that so much now.

I help out at Roomies Art Space and spend time with Clarrice one on one. We do art trips, work on her soft toys or window wire tapestries or have manicures.

Her window wire tapestries are very popular and she has sold many.

I hope to one day set up an online shop

for her work and the work of other artists at Roomies.

Thanks for coming by

and I hope you stick around.

Denise Litchfield

www.grrlandog.com

Roomies Open Studio 12 Sat March 10am-4pm

2011-02-24T17:18:00.001+11:00

Roomies Open Studio Day as part of M.O.S.T and Art Month Sydney

Sat 12 March 2011

between 10-4pm

Hut 43, 142 Addison Rd Marrickville

· Art work for sale

· Roomies Program and Volunteer information

For more info contact Natalie on P: 95164755 or E : bhp2@newtowncentre.org

Marrickville Open Studio Trail (MOST) 2011

What:	Open Studios
When:	Saturday 12 March, 10am - 4pm
Where:	Across Marrickville local government area
Opening:	Warm up party Thursday 10 March, At The Vanishing Point, 565 King St Newtown

Over 150 artists in 40 studios, galleries and artist run initiatives (ARIs) across Marrickville will throw open their doors to the public for this one day showcase of artists’ work. Bike tours and walking tours will be led by local artists and activists on the day. Join in on the MOST warm up party to talk all things art and plan your route for MOST.

Find full details, maps and booking forms for tours are at: www.marrickville.nsw.gov.au/community/arts/most.html

Call 9335 2222 to request a map.

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Roomies Artspace-Project for Awesome

2010-12-21T11:03:00.001+11:00

Video by Georgia Symons about Roomies Artspace and Artist Clarrice Collien

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Roomies Artists Clarrice And Dave team up with Guerilla Knitter Grll+Dog to sell their wares at Addison Rd Night Markets

2010-12-02T17:39:00.001+11:00

Food and Toonz
ADDISON RD
FRIDAY NIGHT MARKETS
Friday December 10 From 6pm Live Music, World Food & Bric a Brac
Addison Rd Centre

142 Addison Rd Marrickville
more Info: 9569 7633
For more on Grll + Dog check out her website
http://www.grrlandog.com

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Roomies Artspace wins Mental Health Matters Award 2010 for Consumer participation and Involvement

2010-12-02T16:30:00.001+11:00

Leigh Connell and Roomie Artist Clarrice attended the award ceremony at NSW Parliament in October to accept the award on behalf of Roomies. go to link to see pic of them accepting the award plaque from Jessica Rowe who was MC for the event http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=299046&id=10415080849#!/photo.php?fbid=495613115849&set=a.495610375849.299046.10415080849 or
http://www.mentalhealth.asn.au/wellbeing/mental-health-matters-award-winners....

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Leigh form NNC Boarding House Project does Roomies Proud

2010-12-01T21:18:00.001+11:00

Roomies recommends this article http://www.parramattasun.com.au/news/local/news/general/creative-way-to-beat-...
Thanks Leigh for bringing a smile to our Faces. We will all miss you very much come back soon!
Roomies X

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Other Academies- A New Website About Supported Studios including Roomies

2010-12-01T17:49:00.002+11:00

Created by Hugh Nicols, Other Academies is an online research project and resource that surveys and collates information on specialised creative arts studios.

In particular it is focused on how these studios function and how they interact with the broader contemporary art industry.

http://otheracademies.com/

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Invitation to the opening of Unseen Ways

2010-12-01T16:10:00.002+11:00

Download now or preview on posterous

Unseen Ways Invitation.pdf (257 KB)

Roomies artists Mark Hood and Clarrice Collien in Exhibition

UNSEEN WAYS

Eight Sydney Artists

Macquarie University Art Gallery

9 December 2010 - 14 January 2011

To be opened by Professor Colin Rhodes, Dean, Sydney College of the Arts

Tuesday 14 December, 6pm

For images and more information please see: http://www.artgallery.mq.edu.au/

Gallery location details: http://www.artgallery.mq.edu.au/about/#location

Regards

Hugh Nichols

http://otheracademies.com

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Open Studio Day 2010

2010-04-28T17:53:00.001+10:00

Sunday May 16

10am-4pm

Roomies Artspace will be opening our doors once more with

Artwork for sale

Free workshops

and a Market stall

as part of

Addison Rd Centre Festival of Arts Culture and Environment

for more info contact Natalie or Leigh on 95164755

Address: Hut 43 -142 Addison Rd Marrickville

Roomies Artspace does Nana Craft at the Newtown Festival this Sunday Nov 8 10-2pm, Camperdown Park Newtown

2009-11-03T19:09:00.001+11:00

Roomies Artspace does Nana Craft at the Newtown Festival this Sunday Nov 8 10-2pm, Camperdown Park Newtown

Once again Roomies Artspace tent returns to the Newtown Festival this Sunday Nov 8 2009

We are situated in Vocal Local village between

10am -2pm

Celebrate the return of Nana Craft to the community of Newtown and j

oin in with the Roomies Artspace team and Wrapped with Love Group as they knit up a colourful, textural frenzy in you most wildest Nana styling

Activities include

Clarrice and Dave making window wire tapestry brooches

Guerilla Knitting, Giant Knitting and knitted blanket making

Brooches using found objects

Fastenaters and Corsages from found material

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Roomies Artspace Open Studio Day and Exhibition 09

2009-10-01T18:41:00.004+10:00

Click here to download:

ROOMIES ARTSPACE OSD O9 (682 KB)

When:Sunday 11 Oct 10-3pm
Address:Hut 43 Addison Rd Centre
142 Addison Rd Marrickville

Featured Roomies artist Clarrice Collien will be selling her wares

Roomie artworks will be available for sale inc paintings, ceramics, prints and drawings

Talk to the art workers and find out how to get involved, volunteer or donate.

All sale proceeds go towards Roomie Artists and Roomies Project
For more info contact Leigh or Natalie on 95164755
or E:info@roomiesartspace.org

Part of Spirit of Soul Festival Family Day
Celebrating Mental Health Awareness in Mental Health Week

__________________________________________________________________________________

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What Touched My Soul Photography Competition Opening- Sale proceeds go towards Roomies Artspace

2009-10-01T11:00:00.012+10:00

Tuesday 6th of October 6:00pm-9:00pm (Free)
A great opportunity to purchase some affordable original artworks and raise some much needed funds for Roomies Artspace
The exhibition will run from 6th-21st of October, 2009
Chauvel Cinema Gallery, Paddington Town Hall
(Cnr Oxford St and Oatley Road)
Paddington NSW 2021
What Touched My Soul is photography competition that gives talented amateur and semi- professional photographers an opportunity to exhibit their work to a wider audience as well as using ‘creative’ advocacy for mental health issues by submitting works that ‘touched their soul’.
These photographs will be judged by Sandra Barnard-Professional printer for Sandy Prints, Stephen Dupont- Award Winning Photo Journalist, Bronwyn Rennex- Director of Stills Gallery and Malcolm Smith- Program Manager for the Australian Centre for Photography.
The exhibited photographs will be on sale for $200.00 each at the Chauvel Cinema Gallery in Paddington. 50% of each photograph sold, will be split evenly between the artist and Roomies Artspace.
PART OF SPIRIT OF SOUL FESTIVAL

Three Roomie Artists in Upcoming Show

2009-09-30T18:04:00.002+10:00

Exhibition for artists with disability escalates to next level

AART.BOXX is an exhibition of works by emerging artists and creative thinkers with disability. In 2009, AART.BOXX has expanded to include works by artists of all ages from around the country. 24 artists have been chosen from over 85 applications to feature in the exhibition in the Mori Gallery.
AART.BOXX will be opened on Thursday 29 October 6-8pm by Christine Morrow, Coordinator of Verge Gallery, University of Sydney Union.
Now in its fourth year, Accessible Arts’ AART.BOXX project has grown into an exhibition of national significance that provides a creative platform for artists with disability.
Selected artists include:
Accessible Ceramics Group • Adrian Robertson • Alan Constable • Ana Nguyen • Arts Day South Project • Bowman Yu • Brooke Redenius • Carla Wherby • Christopher Dobbin • Clarrice Collien • Danny Moore • David Gillham • David Hanson • Graham Henkle • Greg Sindel • Linda Wilken • Luke Bayshco • Lynda Strong • Mark Hood • MHAD • Peter Hughes • Pierre Comarmond • Scott Trevelyan • Stephen Colwell

Image by Denis Bosnjak
When: 30 October – 7 November
Opening Night: 6-8pm Thursday 29 October
Where: Mori Gallery, 168 Day Street, Sydney
More Information: www.aarts.net.au

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Mark Hood Exhibition opens Thursday June 11

2009-06-05T13:13:00.002+10:00

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Roomies@theHouse - Parliament House exhibition February 5th to 27th 2009

2009-01-16T09:08:00.005+11:00

Roomies 2009 Exhibition
5/2/09 to 27/2/09
Parliament House
Macquarie St, Sydney
9516 4755
www.roomies.org.au

During February 2009, the art of 18 Roomies artists and their mentors will be on display at the Fountain Court Gallery, Parliament House, Sydney.

To be officially opened by Special Guest and Parliamentary Sponsor, the Hon. Penny Sharpe MLC on February 5th from 3 to 5pm. You are invited to join us for afternoon tea and meet the artists.

All works are for sale and a selection of images from the exhibition are on display online at artwhatson .

Denise Litchfield and the art of guerilla knitting

2009-01-15T08:45:00.002+11:00

Denise Litchfield and Baxter tagging at Mays Lane Art Project, St Peters (photo Sahlan Hughes)

Denise is a fabulous Roomies supporter and often works with Clarice Collien. This SMH article by Sunanda Creagh, January 14, 2009 is worth quoting in full!

WHERE other graffiti artists use spraypaint, Denise Litchfield uses wool.

Litchfield is part of a growing global movement of guerilla knitters, who stitch their handmade creations onto trees, poles, street lights and other objects in the public domain.

"It redefines street art and is also a reference to graffiti," the Stanmore woman said. "It's absurd and feminine and fun."

Using recycled or cast-off yarn, Litchfield has attached her creations to poles and trees in Newtown and Rozelle and her long-term goal is to knit cosies for fire hydrants and bollards.

Ms Litchfield also pokes fun at the notion of a graffiti "tag" by creating cardboard swing tags similar to those attached to items in a boutique.

"I write messages on them and put them on bikes and dogs. One friend said she was walking down King Street and saw a tag that said 'All your problems have been taken care of' and thought, 'Yeah, I needed to hear that,' " Litchfield said.

"I have been doing it for about six months and I don't know of anyone else doing it in Sydney. I haven't been intercepted by a council ranger yet but often when I put them up people stop to ask what I am doing and to have a chat," she said.

Litchfield has won the support of a Marrickville councillor, Peter Olive.

"I'd be only too happy for her to do some knitting in the Marrickville local government area," he said. "I see it as a form of art and it's not harmful or anyone else's property or the public space. I think it should be encouraged."

Emily Howes, an expert from University of Technology, Sydney, and author of a PhD thesis on "indie craft", said guerilla knitters operated in Scandinavia, the US, Japan and South Africa. She thinks Litchfield might be Sydney's first.

"I think there is a groundswell of activity. The really big guerilla craft group is a collective called Knitta, which has outposts around the world," she said. "They see craft as a subversive and politically motivated act - a way of jolting people out of their comfortable reverie

Newtown Festival 2008 - Great 30th Birthday!

2008-12-01T07:41:00.001+11:00

Newtown Festival started 30 years ago to raise awareness of homelessness and continued the grand tradition by raising funds and awareness for Newtown Neighbourhood Centre projects including Roomies Artspace.

The Roomies Artspace tent was open through the day in the Local Village area, with demonstrations, art classes and a drawing competition.

In 2009, the weather was beautiful and the atmosphere was great. As usual the Festival had a varied and interesting program of events from the Dog Show and Writers Tent to the multiple stages for music and performance.

80,000 people had a fabulous time, with 280 market and food stalls and environmental and art workshops (incl Roomies!)

Some performances weren't on the program but Newtown Festival is a true community event!

Roomies 08 Exhibition Article from the Glebe

2008-10-17T08:21:00.000+11:00

the article "Creativity from the Margins" by Lana Lam, featured in this week's Glebe and is reproduced in full below.

Natalie McCarthy from Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, artist Janet Barker and Codfather owner Ross Godfrey are proud of the Roomies art exhibition. Picture: DANNY AARONS PP202869

FINE food, goodwill and art come together this week at a unique exhibition of creative works from people who are either homeless or living in boarding houses.
The show, which features works from residents living in boarding houses in Marrickville, opens Thursday (Oct 16) and will run until this Sunday (Oct 19).
The artists have created their works at the Roomies art space at the Addison Rd Centre.
The community art space, funded by StreetSmart and managed by the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, is for boarding house residents and artists with mental illnesses or disabilities, allowing them to develop their art in a safe and supported environment.
For the past few years, StreetSmart, an organisation which supports grassroots community organisations helping the homeless, has worked with inner-west restaurants to raise money for local projects such as Roomies.
In the lead-up to Christmas, diners at restaurants such as The Codfather, Oscillate Wildly and Perama, are asked to donate a few dollars to StreetSmart projects.
Ross Godfrey, who co-owns The Codfather in Stanmore, said the innovative collaboration filled a void. “We see enough need in the Newtown area,” he said.
“There’s only been one table in two years that’s said no. Coming up to Christmas, some people put in an extra $20.”
Artist Janet Barker has lived in a Marrickville boarding house for about three years.
Her work, titled Solar, features on the marketing material for the show. “It’s a house I dreamt I was in,” she told The Glebe.
Every fortnight, she spends time at Roomies, creating art and learning about new mediums such as print-making.
“I like to draw. It allows me to be creative and it calms me,” she said.
The Sydney Street Choir, another StreetSmart-funded project, will perform at the opening tonight.
Roomies will also run a special workshop on Friday, October 17, from 11am to 2pm.

Roomies 08 Exhibition

2008-10-14T16:15:00.004+11:00

As part of AntiPoverty Week, Roomies will be having an exhibition at Addison Rd Gallery from Thursday 16th October until Sunday 19th October.

You are invited to the opening on Thursday night from 6-8pm with special guests Sydney Street Choir. Or view the art at Addison Rd Gallery, 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville, on Friday, Saturday or Sunday between 10 and 4pm.

Or attend the open workshop on Friday 17th October between 11 and 2 at Roomies Artspace, Hut 43, Addison Rd Centre, 142 Addison Rd Marrickville. We'd love it if you could attend or spread the word.

Art, Mind and Meaning: Event (working title tbc)

2008-06-20T13:00:00.000+10:00

I propose that Roomies Artspace hosts a symposium on art, mind and meaning, with a particular focus on mental illness and art. Speakers would be practitioners, which with a play on words would enable us to invite speakers from the medical/health world, as well as the art/aesthetics world as well our artists and other interested artists.

I recently attended the Art, beauty, mind talk at the State Library, which was an Artlink launch. Speakers were Imants Tillers, Professor Ian North and Dr Evian Gordon from Westmead Hospital. Dr Gordon, an artist and neurologist, referenced a 21st century paper on Neurology, the New Philosophy. This really epitomised the evening's topic and talkers which was interestingly selected by guest editor Margot Osborne.

We could approach Accessible Arts for assistance, but I would be inclined to aim for an event somewhere at Addison Rd Centre, inconjunction with the forthcoming prints exhibition, advertized in Artlink, Artshub, Acme, ArtAlmanac, Facebook and others? any thoughts anyone?

Parity Article July 2007

2008-02-25T10:09:00.002+11:00

by Leigh Connell,
Co-ordinator Boarding House Project Newtown Neighbourhood Centre.

for Parity's July 2007 issue

"Rooming and Boarding Houses: at the crossroads?"

ROOMIES ARTSPACE was opened in October 2005 by Archibald prize winning artist Cherry Hood. It is a community non-profit artspace where boarding house residents and artists with mental illness or disabilities are able to attend workshops and work individually or with volunteer mentors to develop as individuals and practicing artists.

ROOMIES ARTSPACE is at the Addison Road Centre Marrickville located in Sydneys Inner West and is an area that has a high concentration of licensed and unlicensed boarding houses. For many years the Boarding House Project from Newtown Neighbourhood Centre has run various programs for residents of boarding houses and this includes an art group that has been running for the last 12 years. It became clear that many of the artists from the group wanted more than the fortnight gathering to pursue their art, this is where the art space has evolved from.

For those living in boarding house there is often little opportunity to engage in artistic activities, few opportunities for privacy and almost no funds to purchase art materials. ROOMIES ARTSPACE provides the opportunity to engage in artistic pursuits, a creative environment and a safe place for a coffee and chat. The space provides a physical space and the social and emotional support that is allowing many of the artists to flourish and earn some dollars. The annual exhibitions are now selling out and NSW parliament has recently purchased 2 ROOMIES ARTSPACE works for their private collection. Meanwhile other works have been displayed alongside mainstream artist in events such as “walking the streets” and in several well known galleries around Sydney.

ROOMIES ARTSPACE is funded entirely by donations, client contributions and Newtown Neighbourhood Centre. Donations have been received from National Australia Bank, a boarding house resident’s trust fund, Cutcliffe Gallery and the Marrickville Sketch Club and other local fund raising activities. We are applying for funds through various state and federal programs along with trusts and foundations for coordination of the space, a ramp for access and on going tutoring and materials.

Newtown Neighbourhood Centre has a strong record of innovative cultural and social activism, from running the Newtown Festival to advocating boarding house reform and welcomes the idea of supporting Boarding House residents.

Spirit of Soul Festival

2008-01-10T10:14:00.000+11:00

The Spirit of Soul Festival is a community event that has been organized to raise funds and awareness for Mental Illness. From 18th to 20th of January 2008, is a comprehensive ‘live’ soul music festival that will host its main event at The Factory Theatre in Marrickville over the 3 nights.

We will also be integrating other smaller events into the S.O.S. festival by including on the program, ‘Funked Up Films’ @ Soni’s in Newtown, ‘ReSouled’ Vinyl Auction Fundraiser @Newtown RSL, ‘Bowl for Soul’ fundraiser @ Marrickville Bowling Club, ‘What has touched your SOUL?’ photography competition at Mad Gallery in Enmore, raising funds for Roomies Artspace!

During the 3 days, we will sell afro wigs for ‘Every days a FroDay’ to raise awareness for Bipolar and Depression, and encourage everyone at the festival to wear blue wrist bands from Beyond Blue to support those suffering from various levels of depression at our info stall called ‘Beyond the Blues’.

Roomies Artspace Strategic Plan for 2008

2007-12-20T14:05:00.001+11:00

continue fortnightly roomies art class Boarding House Project
annual exhibition Roomies Coordinator and Advisory Board
create/continue roomies advisory board Roomies Coordinator
keep roomies artspace open Advisory Board
extend vol links with roomies artists Roomies Coordinator
run art classes Roomies Coordinator
merchandise roomies stuff Advisory Board
outsider art at newtown festival
outsider art on the road

1. Fortnightly Roomies Art Class
Securely HACC funded, although costs are increasing. Class can be held anywhere if Roomies Artspace has to shut.

2. Annual Exhibition
Fantastic showcase for roomies work and provides funds for artists which they greatly appreciate. Funding for exhibition needs to be sourced (approx $5,000 pa). Smaller exhibition being planned mid year for 2008 due to the next exhibition being at Parliament House early in 2009. The Boarding House Project and Newtown Neighbourhood Centre have previously funded the exhibition but are unable to guarantee 2008 onwards.

3. Roomies Advisory Board
We need to focus our willing and interested friends to achievable outcomes. We have 1 day/week coordinator funding for the first half of 2008 and will use it to generate as much funds and as many linkages as possible. In particular, the Roomies Coordinator's job is to revitalise the Roomies Advisory Board to share the work load. Items 2, 4 and 7 are the Advisory Board's primary agenda!

4. Keep Roomies Artspace Open
The Boarding House Project and Newtown Neighbourhood Centre have been funding the artspace but cannot continue indefinitely. Funding currently exists only until mid 2008. A strong strategic and marketing plan will help us to continue seeking outside funds and partnerships. We have a great profile and relationships already with Addison Rd Centre, Addison Rd Gallery, Marrickville Council, Accessible Arts and Pine St Creative Arts Centre. Roomies is ideally situated for artists from a number of local boarding houses, and we know that travel and lack of motivation are issues the artists face, so we want to minimise change, keeping the Artspace going at Addison Rd as long as we can.

5. Extend Volunteer Linkages
One coordinator hour can generate 4 hours of face to face volunteer art worker/artist linkage. Volunteers require support and assistance. Paperwork and training needs to be properly provided. New volunteers need to be found and followed up! Items 2, 3, 5 and 6 are the Coordinator's primary agenda.

Roomies Exhibition 2007

2007-12-20T14:04:00.010+11:00

More than 300 people attended the exhibition which ran for 2 weeks at the Addison Rd Gallery

Our sale percentage continues to improve with every artist selling something and some artists selling everything! The quality of presentation of works has improved and allows a higher price to be charged. Roomies artists are looking forward to spending their earnings and are planning works for the next exhibition.

In 2008, there is likely to only be a small print exhibition as the 2009 exhibition at Parliament House will be held early in the year.

Roomies Artspace achievements in 2007

2007-12-20T14:04:00.005+11:00

"I now introduce myself as an artist, not a person with a mental illness"

"What do I like about doing art? People ask how you do it. It has a mystery."

excerpts from artist interviews, 2007

OVERALL OUTCOMES

17 artists participated fully in the Roomies program, with an additional 4 newcomers participating in workshops and 3 others attending art gallery visits.

80% of art produced for sale by Roomies artists sold at exhibitions, with 75% of the proceeds going directly to the artists. Some Roomies t-shirts and cards were produced with an annual fee going to the artist(s) and the rest being reinvested in ongoing production.

More than 300 people attended the Exhibition and art works were on display at Newtown Festival for approx 75,000 visitors to see, with 50 attending workshops given by Roomies artists through the day. An additional 50 people joined our email list, now approx 300 strong, plus a new Facebook group.

PRINTMAKING WORKSHOPS

Residents who do not usually attend art group got to try printmaking at the workshops and produce some quality artwork: Phyllis Grimer, Norman Hansen, Wayne Breed, Therese Howell. Some also sold their work at the art exhibition. The prints were presented in a folder and received a lot of interest and admiration at the Exhibition.

The workshops provided an opportunity for the residents to try something new with success and gave each the confidence and motivation to do more workshops.

MARRICKVILLE SKETCH CLUB

The sketch club have continued to donate funds to Roomies in 2007 and provided support, sharing 2007 exhibition staffing and publicity with Roomies.

OTHER EVENTS

Newtown Festival Art Tent – see separate article
Roomies Exhibition 2007 at Addison Rd Gallery – see separate article
Pine St -
OPC exhibition -
CONCORD HOSPiTAL art purchases -

INDIVIDUAL ARTIST OUTCOMES

Tony Camilerri: Tony spent all year working on his Munster drawings to create a strong and amusing body of work. They received excellent response at the exhibition selling many of the framed works and works from folders. Tony loves being in the limelight and seeing his work up on the wall. He also loved being at the NSW gallery and surrounded by all sorts of people.

Bruce Carlisle: Bruce broadened his usual motif of houses this year by interpreting a painting of Paul Klee’s to produce a beautiful artwork. It was used for the Exhibition Invite and created a great sense of pride for Bruce.

Bruce also participated in the Festival workshops

Clarrice Collien: Clarice always enjoys an opportunity to talk about her art and life. After giving the workshop at the Festival, Clarrice has a better understanding of her work. It also gave her good first hand experience in teaching others her special art of window wire tapestries.

Roomies Artspace and Clarrice’s Volunteer links allows her to do her art in a pleasant and supported environment and get away from the disruptive environment of her boarding house. Clarrice has been able to improve her organizational skills by having her own designated workspace and also increase her creative output.

Clarrice’s work sold out on the opening night of the Exhibition and she is receiving ongoing commissions.

John Goldsmith: John and his father got to share their first BBQ together at our closing exhibition party. Mr Goldsmith was thrilled to receive some of John’s artwork and a T-shirt with John’s Bird print design. He liked it so much bought one for John’s cousin and donated some money to Roomies.

John’s large Paintings of various animals all sold and were a standout favourite for the show. He loved that his drawing was printed on a t-shirt and would like to do more designs for t-shirts

Mark Hood

Mark has continued accessing Roomies independently four or so times a week to develop his techniques and body of work. He tells me that he feels he has a part time job and often acts as an advocate for Roomies when people pop in to say hello.

Mark’s growing experience and increasing confidence has allowed for more variation with his new Motif “Angel in the Garden”. Mark finds his own resources for inspiration but does not hesitate to ask for technical advice if uncertain.

Three of his works have been purchased for the new ward at Concord Hospital. Mark already has two works in the Permanent Collection of NSW State Parliament. With Mark’s dedication to his art he will be soon ready for a solo show.

David Hanson: David was very proud of his achievements with his window wire tapestries techniques that he has been learning from Clarrice and showed immense improvement this year. He sold out at the exhibition and also gained a commission.

David loved the opportunity to share his skills at the festival and enjoyed meeting the public.

Harry Kaard: Harry’s work is always diverse and spontaneous. He created a beautiful drawing of a bird that incorporated his own poetry. This was reproduced at the Festival on one of the gallery walls. It was spotted by a passer by and they wanted to purchase it prior to the exhibition.

Violet Minnet: A couple that purchased some of Violet’s artworks enjoyed the opportunity to meet her at the exhibition Party and Violet was very responsive and pleased to receive commentary on her art.

Violet takes a lot of care in her appearance and enjoyed immensely our outing to the NSW Art Gallery to see the Sidney Nolan Exhibition. Violet also participated in the Festival workshops with much pleasure.

John Scott John usually paints images from his imagination. This year he looked for inspiration from Aboriginal art to try something new with great success. John created some beautiful layered paintings and sold well at the exhibition.

Leon Suchecki: Leon was very pleased to see his artwork reproduced in large scale on a Banner for the Festival. His Banner was also chosen for display at the Spirit of Soul Festival.

The Printmaking workshops at Roomies gave Leon a chance to broaden his artistic skills and he enjoyed seeing the printmaking process and the final product. He also participated in the Festival Workshops.

Leon’s work was very well received at the Exhibition. Using more canvases and better paper for his paintings helped achieve this. Leon also spent more time on a piece, often doing a second layer to produce better quality work.

Leon has some interesting philosophical ideas and for the first time he incorporated them into some of his works with text and drawing/painting. These were also well received at the exhibition.

Roomies Artspace at Newtown Festival 2007

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Approx 75,000 people were at Newtown Festival on November 11^th 2007. It was a beautiful day and the biggest and best Festival ever! The Roomies Artspace tent was eyecatching and appealing and offered a great exhibition of Roomies artists works.

Roomies Artspace at Newtown Festival 2007 was funded by a grant from Festivals Australia, and provided a wonderful showcase of art by inner Sydney boarding house residents on display panels surrounding the art workshop marquee.

Roomies Artspace Tent was opened by the Hon A. Albanese and Sydney Street Choir. 25 artists and 50 members of the community participated in producing the artworks, either ahead of time or at the Festival in a series of workshops led by artists with mental illness or disability, supported by art tutors.

Art workshops delivered by Roomies artists and art tutors were very popular and had to be capped at 10 participants per session. We were accompanied by workshops from other local groups, Wrapped with Love knitting group and Samoan garland making, and Tai Chi demonstrations, augmenting the local village focus of this section of the Festival.

Festivals Australia funded the production of the tent and panels, and the public festival workshops. The display panels and marquee have been used at successive events, to promote the work of roomies artists.

2006 Roomies Artists (no longer with group)

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Billy Byrnes
Valerie Doran

a page with works for these artists will follow

2007 Roomies Artists

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Gail Barnes
Tony Camilleri
Bruce Carlisle
Diane Collie
Clarrice Collien
John Goldsmith
David Hanson
Norman Herman
Les Hough
Mark Hood
Harry Kaard
Violet Minnet
John Scott
Leon Suchecki
Nancy Sumpner
Cheryl Todd
Kevin Woods

a page for each artist with a selection of pictures will follow!

Short History of Roomies Artspace

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ROOMIES ARTSPACE started as a series of art workshops in Inner West boarding houses conducted in 1996 and 1997 by KANCAM (later Inner West Cultural Services). In 1999, this developed into fortnightly workshops at the Tom Foster Community Centre in Newtown under the aegis of Newtown Neighbourhood Centre's Boarding House Project.

This award winning art group has had several sell out exhibitions since 1999 and it has long been a dream of the artists and art workers (many of whom are volunteers) to have a space of their own. ROOMIES are people with mental illnesses or disabilities who live in the community in a boarding house. ROOMIES have very little money, they share rooms and often clothing and personal possessions. They have very little privacy and no space to themselves.

With the assistance of Addison Rd Gallery and Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, ROOMIES ARTSPACE was founded at the Addison Rd Community Centre in an old army hut. ROOMIES ARTSPACE was officially opened in October 2005 by Archibald prize winning artist Cherry Hood, with a sellout exhibition and a highly enjoyable opening party.

"chipin" app for facebook group?

2007-12-18T15:05:00.002+11:00

good idea i reckon as the next year on facebook promises to be bigger than ben hur! best to get on the bandwagon before it becomes overloaded... which is an interesting vision.

consider also adding google adsense to blog.

ideas for roomies advisory board

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Fundraising

Dinner/Art Auction

set date in July
book hall or club (Petersham Bowlo? St Georges Hall? @Newtown, the Factory?)
arrange food, music, entertainment etc
arrange mcs, special guests and speakers
develop an artist brief to send to artist's asap! soliciting a donation for auction
develop an auction plan
price tickets and develop a ticket sales plan
get tickets sold!
get bidders for art auction (in house and/or online)
publicise event
account and acquit

Online donations and publicity (inc gallery sales or prints?)

chipin in facebook
donate now button for blog
google adsense account for blog

Grant writing and Acquittal

Sydney Airports- for Coord salary and Artspace rent
Marrickville Council - for CCD Art grant for Coord salary/seed grant for art classes
Aust Council - ??
DCITA - acquit Festivals grant
Accessible Arts - acquit IPWD day funding
CDSE - acquit Coord grant

Lobbying and Networking
(fine tune and focus! let's set some goals for this before starting)

Local councillors
Local MPs
Ministers for the Arts
Aust Council
Accessible Arts
Arts Project Australia
Pine St Creative Arts
Buckingham House
House with No Steps
Marrickville Council
DADHC
OPG
Oxfam Australia
Spirit of Soul
Hope St Markets
Reverse Garbage/MAD design
Addison Rd Gallery

Merchandising

find outlets for roomies t-shirts
find outlets for roomies cards
find outlets for roomies dolls (tony's artwork)??
set up online gallery??
set up online print sales??

Physical Labour

build accessible ramp to entrance of artspace
install kitchen cupboards
fix doors and locks (especially for office)

Strategising

write latest draft of Roomies Strategic Plan
arrange regular meetings or communication between advisory board, roomies artists, boarding house project staff and nnc board and coord.

additional Roomies Artspace domains

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Currently purchased and configured or being configured to point to this blog are:

www.roomies.org.au
www.roomiesartspace.org
www.roomiesartspace.org.au

www.roomies.org is still a rather blank rooms for rent US portal

emails that work should be either:
info@roomies.org.au
roomies@newtowncentre.org.au

TO BE DONE?? additionally purchase ($9.95 pa)
info@roomiesartspace.org and info@roomiesartspace.org.au