The Virtual Shed in partnership with the Upper Hunter Museum of Rural Life invite men and women in the community to meet and hear the internationally acclaimed artist, Greg Wilson, speak at Aberdeen on Thursday, February 18.
At age 24, Wilson was involved in a near-fatal motorcycle accident in Paddington, severing the main artery in his neck and being pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene before they were able to bring him back to life.
During a traumatic four-year recovery period, plagued by depression, anger and confusion, he called upon previously acquired skills in art and woodwork to begin sculpting and painting. It was the beginning of an exciting and rewarding journey.
“Greg’s story is inspirational and a reminder of how doing something you love and keeping active, whether it’s painting, working with clay, turning wood, tinkering on old machinery, or anything to keep your hands and mind busy, can have a huge positive effect.” said Bernie Rischke, project officer for the Virtual Shed.
John Scriven from the Upper Hunter Museum of Rural Life said, “The Museum Committee has been very interested in being associated with a Men’s Shed for a number of years. We’d love anyone interested in being part of a Men’s Shed committee to come along on the night and offer their support. We see the Shed as being somewhere men can come and have an outlet to do things or just spend some time out in a place with other men. One thing we want to encourage is passing on skills that are being lost to the community.”
“This is an exciting development for the Virtual Shed Project,” said Mr Rischke, “We will be hosting functions for the men of the Upper Hunter to the end of June in the format that’s become familiar, but having others come on board to keep the concept going beyond the end of the project, and work towards the establishment of a permanent Shed for men, is something we welcome. Not only has interest been shown in Aberdeen, but early March will see another function in Scone at which the committee will be formed to press forward with the idea.”
Greg Wilson can be heard at St Marks Hall, Aberdeen on February 18 with a BBQ starting at 6:30 pm. A gold coin donation to support the Project is requested and bookings are essential. To book, contact the Scone Neighbourhood Centre on 6545 2562 by close of business February 10.
