Creative Resilience Art for Wellbeing: Ex Servicemen Workshops at Chesterton Gallery
Over the past six months, I have had the privilege of welcoming a wonderful group of ex-servicewomen and ex-servicemen to Chesterton Gallery for workshops in the Creative Resilience Art for Wellbeing series. This program, proudly funded by the Veterans Support Fund on behalf of RSL NSW (Boorowa Sub-Branch), is designed to foster connection, emotional strength, and creative expression for veterans and their family members.
The energy in the gallery has been absolutely beautiful. Participants were enthralled by the freedom to choose from a curated selection of pre-mixed paints, exploring their own colour combinations and experimenting with flow mediums and a range of expressive techniques. The room quickly filled with laughter, curiosity, and the delightful surprise that comes from seeing colours blend and movement take shape. Watching each woman discover her own artistic language was deeply meaningful.
A highlight of the afternoon in November was a special visit from local legend Alan Banks, who arrived with a hand-delivered box of freshly picked Boorowa cherries — a gesture that brought smiles, conversation, and a shared moment of community warmth.
During the February workshop, participants included Community Relations Partner (CRP) for the South West and Riverina Districts of NSW Jono Tuckfield and Kathryn Hodgkinson (CRP for Central West)As always, the best part of these workshops is getting to know the attendees better: hearing stories, learning their histories, and seeing the way art gently creates connection and comfort.
One of our participants beginning to experiment with colour and form.
Ang with RSL sub-Branch’s Maria Biglands showing some of the phenomenal artwork produced by participants.
The artworks created throughout this series will be professionally framed and brought together for a dedicated exhibition opening on the 18th of April, 2026.
The exhibition will open in the afternoon of the Annual RSL Sub-Branch Gary Shepherd Memorial Golf Dayat the Boorowa Recreation Club. The exhibition will continue through to the 25th of April so those commemorating Anzac Day can also view the artworks. This exhibition will honour the service, strength, and resilience of the participants while showcasing their creative journey. Some participants have chosen to have their art for sale, with all proceeds to charity.
Ex-servicewomen and men, veterans, and family members who wish to join future workshops are warmly invited to register.
To secure a place, please contact Maria Biglands on 0459 543 600.
It is such a privilege to hold space for this work — where creativity becomes a tool for healing, connection, and empowerment.
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