IT isn't art school, a recreation centre or a unique farm studio set miles from anywhere on 56 acres of lush valley just a few minutes from Morisset town centre - it is all of them.
The brainchild of professional art and craft teacher, Margrete Erling, Yara Balba Art Studio opened at Midway Road, Mandalong, on Monday.
"It's taken us two years to totally refurbish old farm buildings into a purpose-built art and craft recreational studio, but the result is well worth it. This is the perfect place to relax and learn how to draw or paint," Ms Erling said.
The result of two years work is a three-stage building with the traditional charm of a large country shed but with practical modern features including ceiling fans and insulation.
"This is a place where projects including silk screen design and printing, lino work and painting can be started and stored between sessions," Ms Erling said.
"We'll have special courses in a very wide range of art and craft subjects with regular workshops and specialist demonstrators including Aboriginal art with an Aboriginal artist."
The community artist (Community Development) for Wyong Council, Ms Erling has also accepted the challenge to decorate Morisset's new PCYC building with murals and create two-dimensional sheet metal sculptures for Morisset Showground.
In the meantime, Yara Balba, her creative workshop studio with many differences including a handicapped-friendly shower and toilet, is offering half- or whole-day art courses.
For more details phone 4973 3042 or email artevent@tpg.com.au.
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