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The Dax Centre

The Dax Centre is a leader in the use of art to raise awareness and reduce stigma towards mental health issues.
Through our exhibitions and educational programs we seek to engage, inform and encourage community connections and conversations about mental health. 

We are the custodians of the Cunningham Dax Collection and are proudly part of SANE Australia. 

We work with emerging artists with lived experience of mental health issues, providing a safe and supportive environment for the artists to exhibit their work and raise the public’s awareness of these artist’s important cultural contributions.

Your donation will help in supporting the lives of artists with lived experience of mental health issues and break down stigma through art.

All donations over $2 are fully tax deductible.

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Artist-Led Creative Workshops at The Dax Centre

Join us at The Dax Centre to create an embroidered patch with artist Louise Meuwissen and connect with other crafty people in your community!

The Dax Centre is excited to host a new creative workshop, Craft & Connection, led by Melbourne artist, Louise Meuwissen

For centuries, people have used craft and creativity as a touchstone to come together and connect as a community. This is especially displayed in the current exhibition at The Dax Centre, She Who Persists, spanning 70 years of female artists textile and craft-based artworks. These artworks serve as incredible examples of how communities have supported each other and persevered through adversity, connecting through their craft. Many have experienced the magic of how having busy hands – be they drawing, sewing, embroidering, or knitting – can help us to open up to each other and share how we are feeling

Louise Meuwissen works with textiles and found materials to make intricate embroidered paintings, sculptures, installations and wearable art. Louise specializes in delivering relaxed, fun, craft-based workshops that celebrate our innate creativity, personal expression, and belief that making is for everyone. Louise’s previous workshops have been delivered with institutions such as the NGV, Bunjil Place, and Craft Victoria

Louise will guide workshop attendees through the process of creating an embroidered clothing patch to adorn a personal item, such as your tote bag, jacket, jeans, or even a cushion or blanket!

Using materials from Louise’s personal collection, you will be guided in the creation of your design, its translation to textiles, and learn sewn embellishment techniques to create a unique piece inspired by She Who Persists. Louise will speak to her practice, and her experience in crafting’s capacity to facilitate mental wellbeing

The workshop presents a chance for attendees to connect with others in their community who enjoy craft and tour our current exhibition She Who Persists. This will be a non-judgmental space, where attendees can connect, share if they choose to do so, and find comfort in their craft practice and the pleasure of communal creativity. The workshop ticket price includes entry to the exhibition, light refreshments, and all materials

Participants will receive a glass of champagne on arrival, with tea, coffee and juice, and a cheese platter and desserts spread to follow

All materials will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring along any personal or sentimental materials they may wish to include in their own work. Participants with all levels of experience welcomed and encouraged

Tickets: $80 per person + booking fee + GST. Includes workshop, materials, food and drink, and gallery tour

Dates: 
12-4pm - Saturday 12th of October 2024 
12-4pm - Saturday 19th of October 2024 

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