Made on Fridays more than just an art classWWCACC hosts a celebration of art, friendship and Fridays

On Saturday, a dynamic and diverse mix of artists came together to launch their exhibition, Made on Fridays, at the Wee Waa Community Arts and Cultural Centre (WWCACC).

The exhibition is aptly named, with the graduating Narrabri TAFE Visual Arts students meeting every Friday for class.

On Saturday, a dynamic and diverse mix of artists came together to launch their exhibition, Made on Fridays, at the Wee Waa Community Arts and Cultural Centre. The exhibition is aptly named, with the graduating Narrabri TAFE Visual Arts students meeting every Friday for class. Pictured: Mary McGrath, Niki Wohling, Rhonda Palmer, Annie McMahon, Bridget Gordon, Lyn Bruce; front, Lisa Almagro and Carolyn Slattery.

“Made on Fridays celebrates the individual creative voices that emerged from a shared experience,” explained WWCACC coordinator Lisa Alamagro, who was also one of the graduating artists.

“Different artists, different voices: one shared space,” she added.

“Every Friday we came together to learn, experiment, make discoveries, and make art.”

Carolyn, Shaun and Molly Slattery with Madison Tanks.

Alongside each display was a card featuring the artist’s name and a little about their individual artistic journey.

The artists may have come from different backgrounds and walks of life, but they all share a passion for their treasured art class, the creativity it inspired and, of course, the friendships formed along the way.

“We all look out for each other,” Lisa said.

Pat Yandell, Dennise Simshauser and Lisa Almagro.

“I remember some saying that getting to the end of the week, to Friday’s art class, was what held them together until the end of the week.

“Some of us didn’t know each other, or some of us didn’t know each other too well before, but now we’re great friends; now we’re like family.”

ABOVE LEFT: Ethan Towns and Cody Smith. MIDDLE: Mary McGrath and Adelaide Cobb-Johnson. RIGHT: Pat Yandell, Dennise Simshauser and Lisa Almagro.

For one artist, who has a background in health, returning to art has meant rediscovering a passion she first found at high school.

Her favourite class was art, and she is now beyond thrilled to have picked up her pencils again thanks to the Narrabri TAFE course.

“Sometimes, the things we loved as a young girl never really leave us … they’re just waiting patiently to be rediscovered,” she said.

There was also a special display for one of the class’s former students, Heather Cunningham, who sadly passed away but will always be considered part of the Made on Fridays group.

Another exhibiting artist said a medical diagnosis played a part in unleashing her creativity.

There was also a special display for one of the class’s former students, Heather Cunningham, who sadly passed away but will always be considered part of the Made on Fridays group.

Teacher Elizabeth Von Gavel also received high praise from her adoring students.

“What a woman, a remarkable woman,” Lisa said.

Ethan Towns and Cody Smith.

The Made on Fridays artists include Lisa Almagro, Lyn Bruce, Adelaide Cobb-Johnson, Heather Cunningham, Bridget Gordon, Annie McMahon, May McGrath, Rhonda Palmer, Carolyn Slattery and Niki Wohling.

Lisa thanked the artists, along with their friends and family who attended Saturday’s launch, and everyone who helped make it a success.

Pippa, Anna and Bella Chaplain, Annie McMahon, Eloise Chaplain and Michael McMahon.

“Bridget Gordon was invaluable in getting the gallery ready; I couldn’t have done it without her,” she said.

“And gosh, I think my Mum has come to nearly every exhibition.”

The exhibition is open until October at the Yellow Door.

It is showcasing works created by graduating Narrabri TAFE Certificate III Visual Arts students.