Creative Arts

Art making is a therapeutic tool which promotes confidence, resilience and transcends the artist’s disability giving them meaning and purpose. Many long-term relationships have been forged with our artists. We have two creative art centres – Boonah at West Pymble and Tarooki in Brookvale. Pop by or give us a buzz. We’d love to show you around!

DISCOVER BOONAH IN WEST PYMBLE

Boonah is an art studio run specifically to meet the needs of artists living with disability. Established in 1995, the space also operates as a gallery, which is open to the public. Classes run Monday to Friday and we offer a morning session from 9.00am – 12.00pm or an afternoon class from 12.30pm – 3.30pm in West Pymble.

Highly trained and experienced facilitators coordinate each session, bringing a unique mix of artistic and therapeutic talent, as well as experience in the disability sector. Artists build confidence and resilience and enjoy inviting guests to visit the studio. Further promotion of their works happens throughout the year with artists working toward an annual art show which is held in the studio each November. Proceeds go to the artist, recognising their talent and achievement.

At the heart of Boonah is the wellbeing of its artists. Art making is a therapeutic tool which promotes confidence, resilience and transcends the artist’s disability giving them meaning and purpose. Many long-term relationships have been forged between Boonah and its artists.

Services at Boonah can be purchased through your NDIS plan under a number of line items, as part of any program.

Visit us at Shop 27, The Philip Mall, Philip Lane, West Pymble.

For more information:
P: (02) 9488 2500
E: info@catholiccaredbb.org.au

CHECK OUT OUR CURRENT EXHIBITION

This public exhibition is of paramount importance to our artists as it highlights and cements their identity. It provides a platform for them to be appreciated in a mainstream space. Proceeds go to the artist, recognising their talent and achievement.

Click here for our online store

LEARN MORE ABOUT TAROOKI IN BROOKVALE

Tarooki Art Space is a small studio in Brookvale running classes for adults living with disability. Creating art is uplifting. It’s wonderful for building self-confidence and the processes involved provide opportunities for decision making and choice.

We offer classes on a Monday, Thursday and Friday between 9.00am – 3.00pm. The classes are led by facilitators with extensive experience in the visual arts and disability sector. The environment is calm and friendly, with great music and an easy atmosphere. Participants are supported to explore their creativity and to develop their own style. In each six hour class, there is plenty of time to work at a relaxed pace on projects. While there is a strong focus on ceramics, traditional painting and drawing is also practiced and artists will sometimes switch between the two during their day in the studio. Tarooki’s annual exhibition is held at the end of the year where creations are on display and for sale.

Visit Tarooki at Unit 9B/44 Wattle Road, Brookvale.

For more information:
P: (02) 9488 2500
E: info@catholiccaredbb.org.au

Frequently asked questions

I am not Catholic, can I still access your service?

Yes, our service is open to all.

What kind of art making and materials do you offer at Boonah?

Artists at Boonah can choose to explore a range of different mediums in their practice. These include acrylic paints, watercolours and inks, as well as drawing, there are also a small number of sculptural options that artists can explore.

What kind of art making and materials do you offer at Tarooki?

While there is a strong focus on ceramics, traditional painting and drawing is also practiced.

Do you offer art therapy?

We do have art therapists on staff, but the service we offer is more focused on artist engagement and artistic practice as opposed art therapy.

Is our service chargeable through the NDIS?

Yes, we can charge through the NDIS or through private funding, depending on the needs of the individual.

Do you provide art classes for kids?

Currently Boonah offer classes to people over the age of 18 only. Tarooki in Brookvale do offer a Budding Creator school holiday program for children you might like to consider.

If I don’t receive NDIS funding, can I still attend?

Yes. We accept either a fee-for-service or NDIS funding.

Do I have to be diagnosed with a disability to attend Boonah?

No. Boonah has a focus on providing a space for artists with a disability, but we also accept others who might like to join us and explore art making.

How does a typical day run at Boonah?

A typical day is split into 2 sessions, a morning session from 9.00am – 12.00pm and afternoon session from 12.30pm – 3.30pm. A person can choose to attend either one or both sessions in the day, with optional lunch support in between.

What does a typical day look like at Tarooki?

A typical day is runs from 9.00am – 3.00pm and there is plenty of time to work at a relaxed pace on projects.

Latest news on our Disability & NDIS Supports

Boonah is Daisy’s happy place

Every Thursday for the last six years, Daisy has attended Boonah Creative Arts Centre in West Pymble. As a creative hub for artists living with a disability, Boonah is a place where artists can unwind, learn new skills, express themselves creatively and connect with others. Boonah is Daisy’s happy place, and her presence there makes it an even happier place for everyone she encounters.

our Creative Arts HUBS