Seniors Festival opens with ‘Art with Arthritis’ workshop

THE Seniors Festival in Coffs Harbour began on Monday 2 March, with Mayor Nikki Williams officially opening the two-week series of events.

Cr Williams was joined by Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh at the first activity of the festival, “Art with Arthritis”, at Yarrila Place’s Learning Lab.

A collaboration between Coffs Harbour Older Women’s Network (CHOWN), occupational therapist Trudy Wilson, art teacher Julianne Gosper, and Ageing in Place researcher Dr Moira Scerri from the University of Technology Sydney, the workshop offered practical tools and techniques for people with arthritis to use in their daily life and to create art.

From tools to assist in cutting paper and holding a fine paintbrush, to awareness around sitting at the right height table and having good lighting, the seniors learned how to modify and adapt to get the most out of their artistic attempts.

Following a demonstration, the participants started the fun bit – painting their own water colour picture.

CHOWN Coordinator Lorraine Penn told News Of The Area, “[The workshop] was a great idea. Attendees loved it.

“It was relaxing and enjoyable, and the facilitated approach made you want to do more.”

The workshop is part of a research initiative called Ageing in Place, which is being conducted by Dr Scerri.

“[It] asks how communities can innovate to integrate service with care,” she told News Of The Area.

Three place-based programs demonstrate this approach.

“Art with Arthritis brought together an art tutor and an occupational therapist to enable inclusive creative participation in art classes.

“Cooking Together strengthens food confidence and social nutrition for people living alone and Night Owls Tours support safe evening transportation and connection allowing participation when there are special events.”

All will feature in the 2026 NSW Seniors Festival, with growing interest from other local government areas.

By Andrea FERRARI