Formerly known as South Sydney Youth Services, WEAVE is a non-profit community organisation working with approximately 2,000 people, over 60 per cent of whom are Indigenous Australians. Thursday June 21 saw an impressive show of artworks (including silent and live auctions) hosted by the WEAVE Art Centre and opened by Deputy Mayor Robert Kok. The Art Centre needs to relocate from premises on Wilson Street, Eveleigh – hence the exhibition title, Exit – and a new venue is keenly sought.
Lisa Gomez was diagnosed in her early twenties after years of struggling to keep up with herself and her moods. “I felt things in extremes,” she said, “from happy highs and laughing fits to deathlike black moods. For me, any creative outlet, especially painting … were probably the only things that helped me not to completely lose my sanity. Painting a blank canvas is like exploring inner space. It is a connection between my inner and outer worlds, and a sense of humour reminds me that it’s not all dollars.”
Lisa was one of only 12 artists whose works were selected for live auction at the Exit exhibition. The special guest auctioneer was Ronan Sulich of Christie’s.
From ceiling to floor, the space was filled with artworks, representing the creativity of hundreds of painters, printmakers and sculptors. The works are a credit to all involved, not least Artistic Director Camille Masson-Talansier.
“Our mission is to promote public awareness, understanding and appreciation of Outsider Art and Indigenous Art to the wider community, through a program of education, exhibition, collecting and publishing,” said Mardi Diles, Team Leader of the Dual Diagnosis Program and the Art Centre.
Donations are needed to assist the many programs of WEAVE, so that: families get the right help to support their children and teenagers, including parenting programs; counselling is available for those who would not usually get access; young people get access to educational opportunities; young people with mental health and/or drug and alcohol issues get timely, holistic support; disadvantaged children get access to quality, social, recreational and support programs; and young people are diverted from the juvenile justice system.
