EXPRESSIVE ART TASMANIA (1)

Expressive Art Tasmania

Have you ever considered using expressive arts to help you reach your social, emotional and personal goals in life?

Our work focuses on support for...

DIVERSE ABILITIES
MENTAL WELLBEING

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

WHO DO WE HELP?

Our clients include those who face mental, physical, and/or social challenges, and we help those who are looking for a local, complimentary service that works in harmony with mainstream therapies and an alternative addition to existing support and social networks. Our small team of creatives also facilitates community connection projects – including children, adults, and elders. And we love to collaborate with local community organisations too, as art for wellbeing advocates and facilitators.

The people we have worked with include those who ...

  • Have always felt the desire to explore music, movement or visual art as a therapeutic outlet, but not been brave enough to take the plunge. (because of a belief – or someone’s told you – that they’re not musical or creative!).
  • Are a primary care giver wanting to see your loved ones social and emotional needs met in a nurturing and holistic way.
  • Are a new NDIS participant considering local community participation service options, or are wanting to try or ad something different.
  • Are a parent wanting to foster and encourage their child’s natural creative spark.
  • Are a local health care professional seeking alternative supports for your clients.
  • Are in need of an alternative or creative addition to their current routine for motivation and inspiration.
  • Struggle with low energy, stress or depression and searching for the ‘right fit’ as far as support and opportunities.
  • Would like to try different options for meaningful and fulfilling community participation.
  • Know and understand the benefits of creative expression and just want to have a go.
  • Want to see their strengths recognized and nurtured, and be supported and challenged in positive ways.
  • Feel good when they’re moving, dancing, singing, drumming, painting, drawing, being in nature.

WHO ARE WE?

Expressive Art Tasmania is based on the north east coast of Tasmania, located within the Break O’ Day Municipality and we are here inspire positive change.

 

We are professional art practitioners who are completely passionate about sharing the power of the creative arts to heal, inspire, educate and connect. Together with our clients we are continually experiencing first hand the positive effects of expressive arts participation for individuals, families and community. The growing body of evidence-based research can back us wholeheartedly on this.

PLAY & CREATIVITY

Play and creativity are key factors that support and sustain health, happiness, vitality, and peace of mind in all humans – at any age.

PLAY is integral to fullfillment in life.

EXPRESSIVE ART FOR HEALING

Engaging in expressive arts is the bridge between our inner and outer world. It offers a safe space for self reflection, expression and learning and it is a powerful tool that we can use to engage and communicate with others.

 

Right Relationship

When we explore and nurture our own unique creativity, we also create a greater sense of balance and place within the world. We believe in the importance of fostering right and balanced relationship with ourselves, others and the natural world.

Expressive Art Tasmania is built on a foundation of respect and acceptance. We respect, accept and also celebrate human differences and diversity. We believe in a healthy and sustainable planet for future generations and use creative action as our voice for positive change.

CREATIVE PATHWAYS

The CREATIVE PATHWAYS program helps our NDIS clients discover, grow and nurture their creative ‘edge’ and potential, helping them build the skills and confidence they need to participate in the local community. With us, they know they will be supported, accepted, and respected for who they are.

In one clear annual package Creative Pathways provides access to a wide range of local creative opportunities like music, visual art, movement, rhythm n’ drumming. Creative Pathways is an ideal complementary service to support capacity building goals.

RHYTHM BEING

Our RHYTHM BEING program offers those who are looking for ways to improve their personal wellness and mental health. Rhythm Being helps you utilise the power of rhythm and drumming to release body’s stress and calm mental chatter. Rhythm Being also supports those who are interested in meditation…but just can’t keep still!. It helps build a positive self image, and supports you to face life’s challenges with greater confidence and ease.

AFTER THE BELL

Our AFTER-THE-BELL programs support children’s social and emotional wellbeing through group music, dance and art participation sessions. Programs include after school group lessons for beginners and fun school holiday programs.

HEALTHY GUT HEALTHY MIND

Our HEALTHY GUT HEALTHY MIND Workshops teach practical tools and wisdom that support us establish a healthier relationship with our bodies and with the food that we eat. We learn how ….

Nature Girl

NATURE GIRL is our program created especially for girls aged 16-21 who often struggle in social situations due to anxiety, communication difficulties, shyness, or for other reasons..

Our day trips are designed to support feelings of belonging and a sense of connection by getting out into nature, exploring places in our local environment and simply being together. The nurturing, safe, and accepting space we create helps reduce anxiety and an opportunity to create new friendships. One vehicle, 6 girls max, wholesome food provided.

TALK-STORY CIRCLES

Talk-story is sharing ideas, stories, events, feelings and opinions in a friendly and casual way. It’s an opportunity to take time out, to slow down, and to simply be in each other’s company.  Our talk-story circles are always accompanied by a simple craft or new skill for people to learn, and are facilitated by different elders, wisdom keepers and guests in the community. Reciprocity, non-judgement and the sense of belonging and respect is nurtured.

Time-out for Carers

This offering is especially for parents, relatives, friends, and professionals whose primary work is care and support for others. We recognise and honour the constant and ongoing energy that you put out and understand that it is so easy to forget about your own self-care. However, maintaining a healthy and happy mind and body is crucial to functioning at your best, and also to avoid unnecessary burn-out. For as little as two hours, to a day, or as long as a whole weekend retreat, we are here to offer you the perfect rest, rejuvenation, and time-out experience you deserve.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Throughout the year we also partner up with our favourite local holistic practitioners, artists, elders, educators, community groups and organisations through a range of events and workshops. Join us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with the latest.

CREATIVE TEAM

Lila Meleisea

Founder and Creative Director

Amaya Robertson

Clinical Nutritionist & Fermentation

Mel Fidler
Visual Arts
Practitioner
Marita Mangano

Multidisciplinary artist (visual art, music, creative writing) + Support Worker.

Cara Derbyshire

Holistic Support
Worker

TESTIMONIALS

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Contact Us

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Lila Meleisea

Founder and Creative Director

Lila has lived and worked in the Break O’ Day community since 2001. She brings to Expressive Art Tasmania a wealth of training, experience and three decades of accumulated skills and knowledge in the fields of the arts, education and community wellbeing. As musician, teacher and creative producer, she has worked with families, children, adults, elders, educators, health practitioners, as well as local organisations, community groups and people from diverse cultural and social backgrounds. Her drive has always been to inspire positive change within individuals, the collective, and for a sustainable future for generations to come.

Lila has completed both an Education and Music Performance Bachelor degree, and is also a certified teacher in the TaKeTiNa Rhythm process, and trained facilitator in DRUMBEAT, Rhtyhm2Recovery, Circle of Security, Baby Massage facilitation, and Lomilomi Massage.

Amaya Robertson

Clinical Nutritionist & Fermentation

In a world where every second person is doing paleo, cutting out gluten or generally avoiding entire food groups, it seems the right diet advice can be hard to find. That’s where I can help. As a degree qualified and registered clinical nutritionist, I can provide individualised treatments that aim to support the body so that it can return to good health. This can be done through dietary modifications, nutraceutical supplements and lifestyle advice. I am passionate about food, cooking, gardening and love to share what I have learnt through my learning journey. Workshops are another way for me to share my passion where you can learn the art of fermentation, sourdough bread making and cooking with kids just to name a few. Please don’t hesitate to contact me to learn a bit more about what I do and how I may be able to help.

Mel Fidler

Multidisciplinary Artist

Melanie Fidler is a multidisciplinary artist whose love for Tasmania drives her creative process. Melanie has been involved in various exhibitions, collaborations, art festivals and developmental workshops, including; ARTSKOOL, Femmes United in a Rhythmic Yell (FURY), Ten Days on the Island, Stompin Youth Dance Company, Junction Arts Festival, George Town Young Leaders Association (GTYLA), The Holographic Lounge Room and ArTELIER.

With her personalized and illustrative style, Melanie creates fictional characters, flora and environments loosely based on Tasmanian folklore, Gondwana forests and ideas of nature, femininity and the unknown.

She has conducted artist talks and workshops for ‘at home’ learning programs, festivals, and schools including Launceston College as an Artist in Residence and Scotch Oakburn, winning the 2016 UTAS (Honours) Exhibition Prize resulting in her third solo show at S.P.A.C.E Gallery.

Marita Mangano

Multidisciplinary artist (visual art, music, creative writing) + Support Worker

Marita is a visual artist and musician who enjoys interacting with people.

Her 35 years of experience with practicing fine art, graphic design, cartooning and illustration offers a unique insight to help individuals and students explore their creative potential.

Marita draws inspiration from life, nature and human form as well as from the imagination.

What’s on offer for subject matter is limitless, vast, fun and rewarding.Within our Expressive Art Team Marita is also available to support you in the home and for community engagement opportunities.

Cara Derbyshire

Support Worker

Cara offers a positive, non-judgmental and holistic approach to the physical, mental and emotional health and well-being of the people she works with. As a trained nurse, yoga teacher, and natural ‘maker’ she brings a wealth of wisdom, compassion and experience to our team. Expect to be making, doing, and getting out into nature with Cara. Or… perhaps just a cuppa and conversation with some home made and grown herbal tea :-)