ARTISTS have relished transforming the blank canvas of the redeveloped Mary Lindsay Homestead into a community art centre.
The Two Rocks Yanchep Culture and Arts Network (TRYCAN) recently moved into the historic Yanchep building following a $3.6 million upgrade.
Chairwoman Pam Annesley said members would use studios in the homestead on Capricorn Esplanade to practice their art.
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READ NOW“They can meet up with like-minded people and participate in classes and exhibitions, which will be open to the community,” she said.
“The location and the history of the Mary Lindsay make it an inspiring place to enjoy and be involved.
“It gives members and the wider community a sense of place.”
Ms Annesley said TRYCAN had planned a program of workshops and courses across several disciplines, including zentangle drawing, charcoal drawing, watercolour painting, calligraphy and polymer clay jewellery-making.
“The TRYCAN writers group meets at the centre every two weeks,” she said.
“For children there is a school holiday program – the next workshop is making dreamcatchers.”
Vice-chairwoman Angie Beck said the centre was not yet open to the public, but when members were on site, they showed visitors around the studios and gallery.
“TRYCAN members are so enthusiastic about using the new community art centre,” she said.
The City of Wanneroo is yet to announce a date for the official opening, expected to be in spring.
The homestead was built after Mary Lindsay bought about 9300ha along the coast in 1926, known as Yanchep Estate.
“TRYCAN members will be creating an art journal depicting the history and using stories told by members of the Cockman family who have lived at the homestead,” Ms Annesley said.
“The history of the Mary Lindsay is fascinating.”
Ms Annesley said TRYCAN members had attended many meetings with the City over the past decade and contributed ideas to redevelopment plans of the building.
“We requested an artist residence so that an artist can come and live on site and work with the local community on an art project,” she said.
“TRYCAN members will also be contributing to the time capsule that will be placed in the hearth of the Mary Lindsay Homestead.”
Ms Beck said the group wanted a display cabinet for artefacts it received, such as a cheeseboard made from the homestead’s jarrah floorboards that Yanchep Community Men’s Shed had already donated.
At the Two Rocks Yanchep Residents Association meeting on June 25, Ms Annesley said the group, which had more than 40 members, was growing with people joining as they came to see the art centre.