Director Gabrielle back at academy

Published 7:00am 8 January 2021

Director and head teacher Gabrielle Turnbull is back at Redcliffe Arts’ So Lively Arts Academy, to the delight of students.

Gabrielle was forced to leave in June last year and travel to Melbourne to take care of her eldest daughter Eliza, a past Southern Cross Scarborough student and winner of the Tyson Evans Art Award, who had colon cancer.

Sadly, after an initial improvement, Eliza passed away in the October, leaving a six-year-old daughter, who needed immediate care from Gabrielle.

Kids workshops

Overcoming her grief, Gabrielle is starting children’s art workshops next week at the Comino’s Arcade gallery, on Redcliffe Pde, and has released the teaching program for the academy’s Term 1 2021.

“After such a difficult six months, it feels wonderful to be back in beautiful Reddy,” says Gabrielle.

“The support and understanding I have experienced from the Art So Lively community is awe inspiring.

Fresh start

“So much love and care from this wonderful community has given me the motivation and strength to start our great art academy afresh in 2021.”

It begins with a series of six three-hour children’s art workshops, which start on Wednesday, January 13, from 9.30am-12.30pm.

The All Creatures Great and Small – We Love Them All sessions are for those aged five and over making mixed media, colourful, fun images of animals.

Workshops will be held on January 13, 14, 15, 18, 20 and 23. $45 per child or $42 with a family discount. Places are already filling fast.

Exploring styles

The programme for Term 1 will see students exploring the styles, techniques and works of some favourite world artists.

“With the new expanded studio space, we are now fortunate to be able to host both children’s and adults’ exhibitions in our own beautiful gallery space,” adds Gabrielle.

Art So Lively is Redcliffe’s only teaching arts academy and now in its seventh year of operation. COVID-safe rules apply. Bookings and inquiries phone 0477 002545.