By Melissa Blewitt

The Condobolin Wednesday Art Group’s Exhibition has officially opened at the Condobolin Health Service.
The Exhibition depicts the artistic journeys of a group which has been guided and mentored by local artist Karen Tooth. A selection of their works now adorns the corridor leading to the Main Ward at the Hospital.
A wonderful array of paintings and mixed media drawings can be viewed during Condobolin Health Service opening hours. The artists include Megan O’Carrigan, Heather Blackley, Patricia Seymour, Sue McBean, Marjorie McDonald, Belinda Neal, Kym Piercy, Jenny Kiss and Vicki Saunders.
The introduction to the Exhibition, supplied by Karen Tooth, reads:
“For some it is their first time publicly exhibiting which can be a daunting experience. As a group they have been supportive of each other through sharing critiques, suggestions, support, laughs, stories, equipment and, yes, food!
“Actually, it’s been a lot if fun! With my background as a High School Visual Arts Teacher, Head Teacher of Welfare and Creative Arts and more recently providing art tutoring through the “Arts as Therapy’ Suicide Prevention Project funded by Lachlan Western Regional Services (LWRS), NSW PHN and delivered by LWRS and Condobolin Aboriginal Health Service, I have seen firsthand, the benefits of students being able to lose oneself in the practice of art; to chill out; to release competitiveness; to express hopes, fears; to dare to be ‘different’ and have fun!
“Art as a leisure activity can evoke feelings of satisfaction and achievement through the act of creation by elevating self-esteem and self-awareness. Using a variety of mediums and techniques to create art, individuals can channel their emotions into their work, engaging the mind, body and spirit in ways that are distinct from verbal communication. There is much evidence-based research about the therapeutic benefits of engaging in creative processes.
“Then of course there’s just the fun of doing art and producing something that you have made – to place in your home or give as a gift or to store in a portfolio as a record of your progress (or put on the grandkids’ fridge!). Altering your perception of time, doing art is like reading a good book or any activity requiring focus. The process is often described as fun because before you know it hours have passed, and you are left with something tangible that evolved from your mind and hands. Sometimes it’s not the finished product but the enjoyment of the creative process that is the most beneficial.
“As a hobby, art practice not only provides an outlet for personal expression and a way to boost your mental health, but it is also an activity that grows with you over time. It’s one of the most rewarding activities you can do either by yourself or in a group.
“It has been said … ‘The opposite of depression is not joy – it’s EXPRESSION!’ Expression is medicine for the soul.
“If you are interested in joining one of Karen’s art groups please call on 0427 952 833. These are small group classes due to the space limitations and students work at their own pace and sometimes choosing their own topics and mediums. Currently we tend to be using mostly watercolour, but we do branch out into graphite, charcoal, acrylic and oil painting if so desired. Topics vary from landscape, interiors, portraits, still life, abstracts, aerial views and close up with a mostly modern interpretation. So often the same topic and same materials can have vastly different interpretations and results. Our small group has vacancies from time to time – I’d love to hear from you.
“Thank you to the art students for supporting this display and getting their art ‘out there’. Thank you to their families for supporting their endeavours which also included in some cases ‘art gifting’ to support their new ‘addiction’!
“Thank you to Lachlan Arts Council, Arts Out West and curator Steve Cavanagh.”