A touch of Euphoria at The Art House

The Black Box Studio at The Art House, Wyong, has built a reputation for hosting engaging and intimate theatre dramas, making its mark as space in which varied stories are told.

From young adult plays such as Amphibian and Hitler’s Daughter to the verbatim theatre of Grace Under Pressure, shows performed at the studio have left audiences thinking.

The latest work to enter the space is Euphoria from awardwinning South Australian playwright Emily Steel, set to be performed in May.

Euphoria brings regional voices to the fore in a rich and heart-warming tale of good days, bad days and everything in between.

On the back of a highly acclaimed World Premier Tour in 2021 with five-star reviews and a sold-out season in Adelaide, Country Arts SA is now sharing the unique work across national venues. It is set in a small town where everyone knows everyone. Ethan is hit by his past while

Meg struggles with the present in a play that explores themes and issues of mental health and wellbeing in regional towns.

“Euphoria was created with regional communities front of mind,” Country Arts SAs Arts and Health Creative Producer, Alison Howard, said.

“Over two years, Emily and I met with people in regional communities and also spent time in mental health units meeting with clinical staff and clients to talk about the joys and challenges of country life.

“Emily has demonstrated the value of deep engagement in regional communities, bringing authenticity, compassion and incredible wit to this fictional Australian tale.”

A spokesperson said The Art House was proud to provide a platform for diverse stories, and to use theatre as a way to start conversations particularly within the younger generation.

Recommended for ages 15plus, Euphoria is part of the venue’s educational program, focussed on providing live performance for school groups and teenage audiences.

Euphoria will be performed in the Black Box Studio on Monday, May 22, at 7.30pm and Tuesday, May 23, at 10am. Tickets are available at www. thearthousewyong.com.au or by calling 4335 1485.

Source: Media release, Mar 16 The Art House

Easter exhibition at Pink Onion Sculpture Garden

The Pink Onion Sculpture Garden at Pearl Beach will present Habitat – a sculpture exhibition – from April 8 to 11.

The beautiful garden was established by Gaby Porter and John Haymes, who have lived at Pearl Beach for almost five years.

“We have a piano undercover and people walking by stop and play and then wander through the sculpture garden every day,” Porter said. “There’ll be some accomplished pianists and some beginners, art and garden lovers – all enjoy discovering this oasis.”

Porter is a professional sculptor with 40 years’ experience who has created commissions for private and public, domestic and international clients as well featuring in several exhibitions.

She said she has enjoyed working with art and nature to create the Pink Onion Sculpture Garden and she and Haymes loved welcoming visitors.

Since moving to the Central

Coast, Porter has been fascinated with local bird life and their habitat.

The garden is located at 61 Crystal Ave, Pearl Beach, with the Easter exhibition opening between 11am and 4pm daily from April 8 to 11.

Vicarious Trauma and Self-Care Workshop

Wednesday 7th June – Commencing at 1.00pm

This workshop will provide an overview about what is vicarious trauma, burnout and compassion fatigue, and assist you to recognise your early warning signs and risk factors. It will also equip you with practical strategies to build your emotional resilience and coping skills when working in high stress environments.

This session is suitable for professionals working in roles and organisations that are exposed to grief, loss, and trauma through their client work.

Developing Emotional Literacy in Children

Wednesday 16th August – Commencing at 5.00pm

Learn practical tools and strategies to support children in developing the emotional literacy and self-regulation skills necessary to understand and manage their big emotions. This session is suitable for adults who regularly work with children who have experienced grief and loss, such as parents, carers, educators and clinicians.

This presentation will also include an overview of the programs run by Feel The Magic for bereaved children, and information on how to apply for or refer to their programs.

Chef Daniel’s next guest is the art queen of the Central Coast Nina Angelo.

Nina has been a key player in the art industry on the Central Coast for over 4 decades.

She brings colour, creative flair, talent and happiness wherever she goes.

She is always a source of inspiration with her amazing creativity and used to run

with Nina Angelo

Nina is very active in the local arts community. She will be doing a signing of her book ‘Don’t cry, dance’ at her old shop which is now called, ‘LooLoos coffee Shack’ on the Scenic Rd at MacMasters beach on Easter Saturday morning.

She is presenting, ‘Spirituality in the pub’ at the Grange hotel on the 4th of April. For more information about event times see her website.

No wonder Nina is so multicultural and vibrant!

Nina started her artistic journey after studying her passion for textiles and fabric design which then took her all around the world for work.

Ingredients:

• ½ chopped red onion