Step into the Bowery Theatre and Gallery space at the St Albans Arts and Community Centre and you’ll see the soft brush strokes of scenes from rural Vietnam, flowers and even a laughing cat.
“That’s my cat,” says Brimbank resident Thuc Tran, who is also part of Brimbank City Council’s Support for Carers Program.
The exhibition which opened on 8 March is due to run until early May and is a dream come true for Ms Tran whose passion for art studying began with a Bachelor of Fine Art undertaken in Vietnam in 1995, followed by a Diploma of Arts undertaken in Melbourne in 2000.
“I’ve been a carer for my son for 13 years and have been involved with lots of activities with the Brimbank Support for Carers Program,” she said.
“To have my own exhibition has been a dream of mine for a long time. So to see my art on the walls here and so many people for the opening night is amazing.
“I have to say a massive thankyou to the support group, without them I wouldn’t have been able to make this happen.”
Brimbank’s Carers Support Plan 2022-2025 recognises the important role carers play in the community, providing unpaid care and assistance to family members and friends with daily activities.
In Thuc’s case, Brimbank was able to assist with tuition fees for Thuc to enrol in Art Classes, to support her to keep making art using watercolour, silk painting, and oil painting.
“A stay at home parent like me can reach their goals, whatever they want to do, keep doing it, don’t give up on your dreams,” said Ms Tran.
Ms Tran’s art exhibition, ‘Journey’ is available for public viewing at the Bowery Gallery, 33 Princess Street, St Albans, until May 4.
If you would like to discuss supports suited to you, please complete the Support for Carers form available on the Brimbank City Council Website or call the Community Care team on 03 9249 4974.
