IN PICTURES: Residents and staff at Narrogin’s Karinya Hostel enjoy a day of art and discovery

The walls of Narrogin’s Karinya Hostel came alive with artworks created by residents and loaned by Wheatbelt residents on Wednesday, August 16. The exhibition of paintings, pottery, textiles and sculptures was organised by Karinya wellness assistant Rebecca Evenis, who acted on an idea put forth by one of the hostel’s residents. “They were a bit bored of seeing the same artwork on the wall as we take our inside walks so I thought ‘let’s have an art walk’,” Ms Evenis said. “The staff here have taken everyone around to have a look. It’s a great team and it’s been a wonderful morning.” With COVID-19 affecting activities in recent years, Karinya residents have been keen to see something new. “Not being able to go out was hard and our bus broke down a few weeks ago — we’re fundraising for a new bus at the moment,” Ms Evenis said. “We haven’t been able to go out in the cold, not even for a drive, so something like this inspires everyone. “It encourages residents to walk around and it gives everyone something different to do.” Ms Evenis put out a call to Narrogin’s artistic community for artwork to display and was inundated with offers. “Both of the local art groups contacted me immediately,” she said. “It was amazing how many people got in contact. “That’s what makes this community so remarkable.” Former country vice-president of the Embroiderers’ Guild of WA Brenda Shooter had a variety of textile works on display that demonstrated her skill with the needle and her commitment to experimentation. As a member of the guild, Shooter has travelled throughout the Wheatbelt and the Great Southern with an overhead projector instructing people on needlepoint. Hostel resident Myrtle Halstead also had work on display. “I left work when I was 60 after I’d brought up my five kids, and when I retired I took an art and design course at TAFE — that was the beginning,” she said. “I did not know I had it in me. I was so surprised at what came out because all I ever did was cook and clean. “After TAFE I joined the Narrogin Art Group — they deserve a plug — and I learned china painting, which I loved. I learned so many things.” Halstead continues to produce art in many forms but finds herself drawn to pottery and painting. “I feel as though it’s me when I paint. It’s me doing something for me,” she said. “You’ve got to keep learning, trying new things — you’ve got to do how you feel and be yourself.”