Community Art Space

"Showcasing the diversity of the local creative community"

Upcoming invitation (3841 KB)

  The Kath Dickson Arts Space is a community arts advocacy space situated at 359 Ruthven Street Toowoomba.

The goal of the arts space is to feature and promote the works of local artists in a variety of visual media.  We also expect the space will be an opportunity for children to use and appreciate the Expressive Arts

Pieces will be exhibited on an ongoing basis in the Toowoomba community.

KarMa- showcasing  "Wall of emotion"

 KarMa a pseudonym adopted for the artistic creations by Karl Matthews (MBA, BEng, MBTI-E Psych, Cert IV Trainer, Energy Medicine Practitioner). 
Based on an awarded engineering career, KarMa founded the business CBDConsultancy.com in 1999 to build better business for clients through engineered management systems. 

    
Since then he has enjoyed many rewarding consulting experiences, and has also actively developed a personal collection catalogue including his published articles.  Of English heritage, he has travelled widely, and has been heavily influenced by African, Asian-Pacific, and American styles. 
    
KarMa is now based in Toowoomba to pursue PhD research into the application of symbols in the business-education discipline. 

Symbolim thus form his personal art focus and he is pursuing various projects that provide an educational element, as well as being aesthetically pleasing. 

KarMa is also involved in the Toowoomba Art Council, currently as President.  

KarMa initiated the Great Wall of Emotion project in 2008 to stimulate participant’s emotional maturity through the appreciation of emotional symbols donated by individuals from around the world.  The Great Wall of Emotion collection now contains over 300 emotional symbols by artists from a variety of races, ranks, religions and richness. 
    

This is the first formal exhibition of the collection, highlighted by several ‘emotions’ as painted by KarMa.  It is hoped that the viewer will connect / resonate with these emotional artworks to appreciate the universality of human emotions, and thus gain empathy across all race, rank, religious and richness diversity.   Further information on the concept of ‘Universality of Emotion’ follows.

On the Universality of Emotion: A Human Reality
The concept of universality of emotion considers that all humans feel similar emotions, regardless of our race, rank, religion or richness.  Yet to feel empathy for others requires emotional maturity. 

Comparing the physical expression of emotions of different people and cultures is like comparing apples and oranges, as our individual attributes/interpretations/ expressions do vary slightly.  For example, the emotion of respect in western society is displayed by looking directly at the other, whereas in traditional Australian Aboriginal society, direct eye contact is not considered respectful. 

Thus the different cultural expression of the ‘respect’ emotion can be interpreted differently depending on your cultural background, yet the underlying emotion of respect is universal across all cultures.  Appreciating the cultural contexts enables you to understand to the real emotional truth.

All emotional issues can be further understood through the Bio-Psych-Social approach1.  Bio is the physical, Psych is the consequential mental attachment/dysfunction and Social is the coping mechanism, such as peer group behaviours.  Emotional regulation influences an individual’s stability, and these emotions then dictate the individual’s personality. 
        

The cause of emotional hyper or hypo deregulation is biological, psychological or social (cultural).  It is estimated that 50-80% of our emotional wellbeing is based on our psychology.

  If there is a deregulation and conflict in the emotions, and this is not addressed, maladaptive behaviour may arise, such as ego/superego and peer group relationship issues, paranoia/fear, or psychopathic/narcissism tendencies.  Individuals suffering from Bio-Psych-Social emotional deregulation may inappropriately seek illicit drugs to glimpse some comfort. 

The underlying factor influencing deregulation of emotion is related to the individual’s family dynamics and attachment to their parents, with slight cultural variations.

Our first human needs are biological, and once these are satisfied we action our higher self-actualisation needs to feel fulfilment.  In our self-actualisation development, we mature over time.  It is our personal challenge to progress along the self-actualisation development path, and although there are many different paths and timeframes to achieve this, they ultimately lead us to the same enlightened state of wisdom. 

Consider for example that professional development takes years of formal educational and experience to achieve.  Although everyone follows a different path to their development, ultimately we all seek the same goal of self-actualisation, with stable Bio-Psych-Social emotional wellbeing. 

As a result, there exists a practical universality of emotion across race, rank, religion and richness in human reality.   It is this universality of emotion in human reality that ‘The Great Wall of Emotion’ project aims to educate on.  

1.Other references related to this topic are Pig eared (Psych standards), Eric Erikson, James-Lange theory (emotional body changes), Cannon Bard theory (the felt emotion), Intro to Psych by Morgan & King chapter on emotion and stress, Schacter-singer theory - body, Evidence based Psych projective testing (raw shark - ask patient for their interpretation of abstract image)) to bring exact underlying inner consciousness / personality conflict to the surface ( Raw Shark applied with ethical / confidentiality restrictions), Piaget theory of cognitive development.

 Community Supports local Community Art Space

          

Friends of the Kath Dickson Community Art Space - it is just like family

The world is becoming increasingly aware that Art experiences benefit all age groups by providing individuals with the means to freely and creatively express themselves. Self-expression, in turn, promotes individuality, bolsters self-confidence and improves motivation and attitudes towards life.

Both active and passive art experiences can provide the benefits of discovery, stimulation and relaxation. Furthermore, people's participation in art enhances development and expands their thoughts about culture. In short, art can make individuals more socially conscious. 
 Communities that are committed to providing opportunities for experiencing art are considered more livable because they are attractive to businesses and industry and they offer a higher quality of life for residents.  Tourism is strongly linked to art--art activities are believed to stimulate tourism in a community, and vice versa. 



 Art-related tourism generates extra visitors and revenue, attracts high-income consumers, extends the tourist season and is a "green" form of the industry.  In this way, art-related tourism is believed to contribute to the regeneration of cities.            

 In recognition of the many benefits, many communities are finding creative ways to ensure that the public is provided with adequate opportunities to experience art.   Public art works can include street furniture, decorations, paving and landmarks, and may take on many forms, including sculpture, decorative ironwork, mosaic flooring and murals. The primary purpose of public art is to bring art into everyday life, to energize public spaces and to arouse society's thinking and imagination.    

 

The fine arts exhibit encourages artistic expression, creativity, cultural appreciation and developing artistic skills through classes, special events, exhibits and competitions. Our exhibitions have explored a variety of mediums, including drawing, pastels, watercolour, oil or acrylic painting, print making, collage, sculpture and textiles.     

                   

Adult art participation is directly linked to childhood art experiences, such opportunities are particularly important for children. 

Please see our PLAY on PLAY..POP Children's Gallery  facilitated by leading local artist Damien Kamholtz. 

                             
For further information on POP children's art classes please phone Moyalia Bazyar 07) 46 338 418 or email on mbazyar@kathdicksoncentre.com.au.

Unique to Toowoomba is our very own Childrens Art Gallery called POP in the BOX .....Please see Moyalia for details and bookings.

Talented  artists and artisan groups grace  the Kath Dickson community Art Gallery walls and produce some of the finest art we have to offer. 

From textiles and photography to sculptures and paintings; even jewellery and accessories. Our gallery is known for and is a breeding ground for budding & blooming artistic talents alike. Showcasing works of local; as well as hosting and supporting a number of honourable fund raising efforts like Singing Kites. 

 Toowoomba can create a synergistic boost by combining programs, activities and participants that keep art programs dynamic and exciting. 

                                      
 Our 2010 exhibition campaign varies from contemporary art, visionary, provocative, modern & the extraordinary - compelling artists, art works, exhibitions and receptions for all to enjoy.
 We look forward to seeing you.      


"I personally consider it an honour and a gift each time I meet with the exhibiting artist to support part of their life story.
I think it was Leo Tolstoy who said that the sole meaning of life is to serve humanity…and in the light of this statement our happiness and that of others become inextricably linked.
When human life is viewed as a work of art, filled with shades from dark to light, the contrast reveals the beauty of a life engaged.
I thank everyone involved in the Kath Dickson Community Art Space for granting me the opportunity to be a part of something truly special." Moyalia

We do not always know which among us will teach us best- but if we cherish and serve all those around us – we will experience a pilgrimage – home to self – and on my personal pilgrimage I have been graced by many wonderful fellow travellers and invisible companions  who continually encourage  me to lose sight of the shore in order to discover new lands ….   - Thank you for helping to birth so many dreams … the journey is truly special. 
                             Pablo Picasso wrote “each child is an artist its learning how to remain one as we grow up”

Curator team with brushes  poised Moyalia Bazyar and Russell Booth 

 

 

 

The Kath Dickson Community Art Gallery Shop is located at 359 Ruthven Street
Toowoomba  (07)46 338431

 

 

 

The Art Gallery Shop will offer an eclectic mix of new, innovative and stylish contemporary gift ideas. Showcasing and celebrating the very best of local design talent, this special shop will be an ideal opportunity for the discerning buyer to find unique and individual gifts. Come and discover our wonderful selection of carefully selected treasures that include textiles , clothing , ceramics, glass, jewellery and  stationery.   The Art Gallery  Shop will have something for everyone.

Our retail shop is located at the front of our Art Gallery located at 359 Ruthven Street Toowoomba in the heart of the city centre.

The Kath Dickson Community Gallery Shop invites individual handmade art and craft creators wishing to set up a retail presence for their art and crafts to visit the Gallery shop.

There is a 20% commission given to the Gallery on sale of all items.

If you are looking to sell some of your hand crafted treasures please contact Moyalia Bazyar or Russell Booth for more information.

                    Displaying your handcrafts with the Kath Dickson Community Art Space will:

                    • Open more business opportunities for your product.
                    • Increase sales income from your hand made art craft works.
                    • Advertise your business and reach more customers.
                    • Expand your existing handmade art craft business.
                    • Conduct a retail pilot trial for your product.
                    • Avoid large capital outlays while preparing for your own business.
                    • Display your hand made works to the public.
                    • Exchange information with others in particular area.
                    • Socialize with people interested in hand made art and craft.

The Kath Dickson Community Art Space and Gallery Shop are for you.

Our customers come to our Gallery shop to :-
 
• Buy unique hand crafted items
• Buy one-of-a-kind items.
• Buy something different from others.
• Buy Australian made craft items.
• Learn more about the art and craft culture and business.
• Make contacts in the art and craft circles.
Mission
Our mission is to share happiness, dreams, friendship, and opportunities for the promotion of our great local artisans  

Opening hours are  Wednesday through to Saturday 10.00am - 2.00 pm

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