The two-day getaway was a chance for clients of Vivid to stay in historic Charleston House and learn from some of the best teachers in the local art scene.
Vivid supported employment manager Leanne Lockyer said after a previous retreat at Cockatoo Island had concluded, the Vivid team was looking for an alternative
“It was a goal of ours to get another going. We put our heads together and Emily Umbers helped come up with this,” she said.
The program, supported by Murray River Council and through the National Disability Insurance Scheme, proved highly popular with the initial participants and could signal the beginning of another annual trip.
“We could have taken 20 people if we wanted to, the level of interest was so high,” Leanne said.
“It’s a pilot at this stage and we’re hoping to initiate a few of these a year if it proves popular enough.”
Leanne said the opportunity to get out into the community together and plan an event is invaluable.
“It’s a great opportunity and everyone who attended had an interest in art,” she said.
Echuca-based art teacher Caroline Smith from Bottle & Brush was leading the class and said everyone had found their own style.
“They’ve taken the art on in the spirit that Bottle & Brush is all about. It’s about taking a sense of wellness and time out in life,” she said.
“We encourage people to be adventurous in their use of paint and they’ve shown great skill and attitudes.”
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