Grand Central is inviting Toowoomba residents to let their inner artist shine during this year’s First Coat Festival, with free art workshops available at the centre for everyone to enjoy.
Grand Central Marketing Manager Marieke McIntyre said Grand Central are excited to partner with First Coat to bring four renowned artists to run workshops in Centre Court. “People can learn unique art applications and take home their own special creation. Everyone
is encouraged to join in, no experience necessary and there are no age restrictions,†Ms McIntyre said.
In its third year, First Coat has already left a remarkable legacy in Toowoomba and willcontinue to do so over the ten day festival on 20-29 May 2016. The amazing murals, street art and artistic installations are creating a must-see outdoor gallery that is fast garnering a
legion of fans, both locally and beyond.
First Coast Festival organizer Grace Dewar said the homegrown festival will continue to showcase live mural painting around the town, targeting key infrastructure in prominent CBD locations. “The Grand Central workshops will provide the perfect opportunity to have a more intimate look at the creative expertise of four unique artists, also participating in the greater festival activities,†Ms Dewar said.
“The first workshop will be held on the opening weekend of the festival on 21 May, and will see Georgia Hill lead aspiring artists through ‘Hand Lettering’ – a type of illustrative typography that shows you how to create your own unique letter forms.
“Workshop two will be led by Toowoomba born artist Noke, who will take participants on a journey of Mark Making & Mixed Media. Experimenting with different approaches to mark making will be encouraged, to give hands-on skills across many different mediums.â€
First Coat’s closing weekend will see the final two workshops, with Spencer Harrison, who is cheekily referred to as Spenceroni. The inventive Spenceroni will guide participants through a ‘Plant Pattern Play’ Collage Workshop which will see surreal, abstract illustrations of plants and still life scenes.
Wrapping up the festival workshops, Grand Central will host Billie Justice Thomson, presenting the colourful and quirky-named ‘Hotdogs & Hamburgers’ Sticker Making Workshop on Sunday 29 May. “Food illustration has never been this fun…with custom made stickers creating a playful view of food and providing participants with take home sticker art,†Ms Dewar said.
All workshops are free, with all materials supplied. There is no need to make a booking, with places being rotated on a first-in best-dressed scenario. Toowoomba residents are able to drop in to Grand Central at any time over the two hour sessions and create their own artwork.
For more information on the activities at Grand Central, visit www.grandcentralshopping.com.au or
https://www.facebook.com/GrandCentralShoppingCentre/events
