An empty shop sparked Carla van Laar’s imagination. And so the Inverloch Pop-Up Art CO was born.
By Carla van Laar
OF COURSE it was love that brought me to Inverloch five years ago. Now it’s love for the arts and culture that have propelled me to take a leap of faith and create an artist-led space in the heart of the shopping strip here in Inverloch – the ‘Inverloch Pop-Up ART CO’. We’ll be popping up from December 26 to January 31.
Like attracts like. Since moving permanently to Inverloch, I’ve been gradually finding and making friends with other like-minded souls. The artists and healers in our community. These are the people who are gathering together with overwhelming enthusiasm to make the Inverloch Pop-Up ART CO a true creative hive of activity for our community. We are looking forward to connecting with even more folks who embrace the arts and creativity as a source of wellness and belonging. Running an arts space isn’t something you do for money. Like me, they are doing it for love.
OF COURSE it was love that brought me to Inverloch five years ago. Now it’s love for the arts and culture that have propelled me to take a leap of faith and create an artist-led space in the heart of the shopping strip here in Inverloch – the ‘Inverloch Pop-Up ART CO’. We’ll be popping up from December 26 to January 31.
Like attracts like. Since moving permanently to Inverloch, I’ve been gradually finding and making friends with other like-minded souls. The artists and healers in our community. These are the people who are gathering together with overwhelming enthusiasm to make the Inverloch Pop-Up ART CO a true creative hive of activity for our community. We are looking forward to connecting with even more folks who embrace the arts and creativity as a source of wellness and belonging. Running an arts space isn’t something you do for money. Like me, they are doing it for love.
I gained my masters degree in creative arts therapy in 2000 and became a Doctor of Therapeutic Arts Practice in 2020. Creative arts therapy is a diverse field that's all about utilising the arts for wellness and healing. Over my time as creative arts therapist, I’ve been privileged to work with thousands of people in contexts that include the Royal Children’s Hospital, services for people with disabilities, youth justice facilities, mental health organisations, homelessness services, education, community and international aid, amongst more. Always using the arts for connection with people experiencing all kinds of life challenges, always witnessing the power of creative processes for wellness and healing.
When I realised there was an awesome commercial space lying vacant right opposite the surf shop in Williams Street, my imagination was sparked. Was there a possibility to inhabit this space for a short time as a much-needed creative hive for everyone – all ages, all abilities, residents and visitors, over the busy summer season? The answer was “YES”. The staff at Inverloch Alex-Scott Real Estate informed me that the landlord was supportive, and here we are! The Inverloch Pop-Up ART CO is opening on Boxing Day from 4-6pm with a community launch and everyone is invited.
When I realised there was an awesome commercial space lying vacant right opposite the surf shop in Williams Street, my imagination was sparked. Was there a possibility to inhabit this space for a short time as a much-needed creative hive for everyone – all ages, all abilities, residents and visitors, over the busy summer season? The answer was “YES”. The staff at Inverloch Alex-Scott Real Estate informed me that the landlord was supportive, and here we are! The Inverloch Pop-Up ART CO is opening on Boxing Day from 4-6pm with a community launch and everyone is invited.
Melissa McDevitt Weston, with her work Water's Spirit Well-known local contemporary Aboriginal artist Melissa McDevitt Weston will be our artist in residence for the whole six weeks, painting in the space, exhibiting her works, and welcoming you to have a yarn.
There will be an exhibition of local Bass Coast artists’ works, including paintings, sculptures and installations from Annette Spinks, Casey Sweetman, Jasmine Susic, Kim McDonald, Mandy Gunn, Martha Silver Breninger and myself.
We also have a wonderful array of creative workshops on offer, including earth-jewellery making, life drawing, felting, moving and learning, pausing and contemplation, painting from still life, juggling, singing, and opportunities to try creative arts therapy for a special experience.
There will be an exhibition of local Bass Coast artists’ works, including paintings, sculptures and installations from Annette Spinks, Casey Sweetman, Jasmine Susic, Kim McDonald, Mandy Gunn, Martha Silver Breninger and myself.
We also have a wonderful array of creative workshops on offer, including earth-jewellery making, life drawing, felting, moving and learning, pausing and contemplation, painting from still life, juggling, singing, and opportunities to try creative arts therapy for a special experience.
I could tell you so much more about my own life journey into the arts, creativity, wellness and healing. I hope you will pop in and I’ll get the opportunity to meet you and share more.
Please feel welcome to come to the opening launch on Boxing Day from 4-6pm, or drop in any time from 10am – 4pm, December 27 to January 31. See you there!
Dr Carla van Laar is a painter and creative arts therapist.
Please feel welcome to come to the opening launch on Boxing Day from 4-6pm, or drop in any time from 10am – 4pm, December 27 to January 31. See you there!
Dr Carla van Laar is a painter and creative arts therapist.