By KATH GANNAWAY
IT’S EVERY child’s fantasy … an entire forest of toys.
And, possibly every parent’s fantasy … how to create something beautiful out of that mountain of plastic toys that have taken over the house.
Throughout February Yarra Ranges residents have the opportunity to take part in a playful and colourful art experience – the creation of a faux forest made entirely of discarded and broken toys.
The first of five workshops with artist Rachael Hallinan was held at Montrose Library on Saturday and future workshops will be held at Belgrave, Yarra Junction and CERES in Brunswick.
The Ersatz* Fantasia Project is all about fun … but it’s not about mindless fun. There are some thought-provoking messages for consumers of all ages.
Rachel said the project aimed to be a fun and engaging way of encouraging people to take notice of the overuse of plastic in their lives.
“It is a reminder to consider materials when purchasing gifts and toys, to recycle and repurpose and to consider using environmentally friendly alternatives to buying, such as borrowing from toy libraries,” Rachel said.
The Ersatz Fantasia Project will exhibit at the Yarra Ranges Museum in Lilydale from 28 March to 24 May.
Workshops are at Belgrave Library on Saturday 14 February from 10.30am to 12.30pm (9754 7266); CERES Community Environment Park in Brunswick, Sunday 15 February from 10.30am to 3.30pm (9389 0100); and at Yarra Valley ECOSS in Wesburn on Saturday 28 February and Sunday 15 March from 10.30am to 3.30pm (5967 2416).
