We’re gearing up for creativity for Adult Learners Week this year with an installation at Fairfield Library.

We’re taking a trip down memory lane … replicating old library cards and pockets … and getting out date stamps to explore ‘books that stay with us’. Our project called ‘Due Back’ will be at Fairfield Library from 1 September … pop in and check it out - and add your two bobs!

Neighbourhood houses and libraries provide amazing community resources for life long learning and we’re excited to have the opportunity to highlight this through this fun and interesting (we trust) interactive community arts installation.

Speaking of arty things, which we are often doing, the Alphington Open Studios artists are currently hosting a group exhibition at Yarra Sculpture Gallery in Abbotsford. Glimpse offers a brief but compelling insight into the diverse practices and creative processes of this dynamic collective—a preview of the rich and varied work emerging from the Alphington Studios community.

It looks great and you should go! The Sculpture Gallery is just in behind Collingwood Town Hall - so there is both easy parking and great train options to get there.

The exhibition is on for May and runs from Thursday to Sunday from 11am-4pm.

A great activity to do on an autumnal day!

We had a lovely time on Thursday evening here at ACC getting creative with ink, watercolours and tape.

We each produced a little series of art works that matched in style.

If you are interested in art and enjoy a good chat with other arty locals then why not join in Alphington Arts. It runs twice term on a Thursday evening at 7.30pm. Each month is led by someone in the group - exploring either an art form they are experienced in, or one they are keen to try for the first time (like this week). It is very exploratory and relaxing. And lovely

Last term Clare had a vision for updating the climbing frames (replacing the picture frames that are past their used by date) in our raised garden beds … and after a few hours of Facebook marketplace trawling and purchasing, and a can or two of spray paint, Corrado, Thomas and Clare did the glory work (after weeding and soil preparation by Meet and Clare earlier in the day) and installed two new ‘lovely ladies’ on Friday.

They also planted nasturtiums and beans and other beautiful flowering climbers - so we’re looking forward to the metal frames evolving into edible floral gowns over the next few months (we hope). Keep a watch as the plants grow!

Keen to improve your artist skills? Clare is running Artful Painting and Drawing again this year on Monday afternoons and Tuesday evenings. She is a fabulous teacher and I personally am very jealous when I see everyone sitting down making amazing art on a Monday when I am in the office. If you are interested in joining her classes you can contact her on 0423 453 160 or check out her website Swirl Art here.

We also have Crunch coming up again for 6 weeks - enjoy a chat over lunch followed by a creative art activity with Lee on Thursdays from 12.30pm. Book in here.

And … we’re also running Alphington Arts again at night, on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 7.30-9.30pm. A great opportunity for anyone that is slightly arty and keen to get to know other arty people in the neighbourhood. Come along and share your skills and learn from other local artists - it’s really fun and friendly and community minded. Book in here.