Can you believe it’s April? It is such a special season to enjoy in the ACT and there is plenty to do and see in Ginninderry, and the surrounding region before the weather takes a chilly turn.

And even if it does, we’ve got some cozy options of exhibitions, crafting and sourdough making to put in the diary, as well as some wholesome school holiday activities for the kids.

New exhibition at Straithnairn Arts: From the Outside to the Inside

From the Outside to the Inside by Allsorts Collective explores the relationship between public and private spaces through a series of works in acrylic, watercolour in and pastel.

The exhibition will feature contrasting views of outside lives to personal interiors exploring the quiet sanctity of a home. Artists featured include Shakir Rayman, Stephanie Boyle, Louise Spencer, Katie Volter, and Belinda Gill

Exhibition runs until April 21 | Wednesday to Sunday 10 am- 4 pm | Homestead Galleries, Gullifer Street Strathnairn | More information here.

School holiday fun in nature

In collaboration with the Ginninderry Conservation Trust, Strathnairn Arts will run a series of workshops for young people over the April school holidays sure to lure them off their devices and focus them on the connection between nature and art, and the importance art plays in conservation.

From discovering the conservation corridor to creating monoprint landscapes, clay objects, watercolours of water beetles and bird sculptures using recycled materials, this is creative hands-on fun over a series of days.

Four workshops run on 18, 19, 24  and 26 April from 9 am – 4 pm | The Link, 1 McClymont Way Straithnairn | More information here.

Sunday Crafternoons at Café Stepping Stone

Whether you’re keen on knitting, scrapbooking, painting, or DIY decor, there’s something for everyone. Connect with fellow craft enthusiasts in a relaxed, inspiring environment every other Sunday. Share ideas, learn new techniques, or simply enjoy the company of like-minded individuals. It’s all about having fun and being creative!

Feel free to bring your own project that you’re working on or start something new. We’ll provide some basic materials, but we do encourage you to bring any additional or special materials you wish to use.

Sunday 14 April, Sunday 28 April | Café Stepping Stone Gullifer Street Straithnairn | More information here.

Lee Crisp Life Drawing

Drawing from life experience as an artist and her love of art history, Lee Crisp looks at the contemporary lives of women from the perspective of the embodied subject. Lee explores agency, strength, sensuality and sexuality as lived by mature women.
Lee is reclaiming the female nude as her own. She is also claiming the history of women artists and their perspectives, which are often different from the mainstream of the art world.

Watercolour, once confined as a women’s medium has been changed through scale and presence to become a playful and powerful channel also translating into freely drawn watercolours.

Exhibition opens Friday 5 April and runs until 19 May | Open Tues-Sun  10 am – 4 pm | Pivot Gallery Belconnen Arts Centre | More information here.

A Natural Connection – Drawing with John Pratt

John Pratt is a highly experienced artist and teacher, whose gentle tips and guidance will take your drawing skills to the next level, no matter your current abilities. The workshop session is suitable for all ages and levels of experience.

Throughout history the natural world and its elements have been a constant focus in creative practice. This drawing workshop will explore a range of these responses including both expressive and formal concerns such as scale, composition and mark making using a variety of drawing materials.

Saturday 6 April 1-4 pm Gungahlin Arts | Saturday 13 April 12.30-3.30 pm Belconnen Arts | Workshops are free but bookings are essential here.

Drop in and Draw

Take a breath and relax in the Generator Gallery at the Belco Arts Centre where you can indulge your creative spirit and create your own artwork from our curated still-life set up.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own materials and any equipment needed. A limited range of drawing materials will be available for use should you arrive empty-handed.

Every Tuesday-Sunday between 10am-4pm | Generator Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.

Strathnairn Playgroup

Are you and your little ones keen to connect with others in the Ginninderry community? Check out the Strathnairn Playgroup! It’s a great way for children aged 0 – 5 years old (and their parents) to socialise and enjoy new activities!

Feel free to grab a coffee from Cafe Stepping Stone at Strathnairn Arts and come down and play or enjoy the tea and coffee at The Link.

Every Friday during school terms, 9.30 pm – 11 am | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here.

Sourdough Workshop

If you missed the lockdown craze, here’s your chance to learn how to make your own sourdough! This hands-on workshop will provide you with the skills and confidence to start making your own delicious sourdough at home.

Sustainability and Life skills trainer Dianna Trudgian will be explaining the science behind bread making as well as demonstrating the key stages of making sourdough.

During the course of this workshop, you’ll create a sourdough loaf to take home and cook. There will also be a demonstration of the baking process and a freshly baked loaf for participants to taste test.

Saturday 6 April 1-3 pm | Canberra Environment Centre, Gungaderra Homestead Harrison. Tickets cost $50 and can be bought here.

Have a yarn with Good Omen Goodeze

Want to learn a new skill or get back into a hobby you used to love? Local community needle craft group Good Omen Goodeze is hosting an afternoon full of knitting and crochet—and you’re invited.

Pop in for a cup of tea and a chat with the passionate members and use the opportunity to make something special to take home or to donate to those in need at the Canberra Hospital. All supplies are provided – you just need to bring yourself!

Every Friday afternoon, 1pm – 3pm | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here.

Zest Dance for Wellbeing

These weely lasses are designed for adults who want to experience the joy of dancing and keep their body and brain active and healthy, regardless of their mobility, skill or age. Please come and feed your body and spirit with music and movement, be physically and mentally inspired and stimulated, have fun, meet some new friends and feel good!  We dance while sitting on a chair, with options to stand and travel. No previous dance experience is necessary.

The classes are taught by two teaching artists, which means we can offer participants more seated and standing options. Tuesday’s class is suitable for people with Parkinson’s while the Friday class has the capacity to move at a more energetic pace.

The new term starts on 29 April | Belconnen Arts Centre | More information here.

Change up your fitness routine with early bird Taekwon-Do Classes

No experience is necessary for this early-bird special class – you just need to be willing to have a go! Taught by Patrick Steele, everyone over the age of six is welcome (including beginners), and the class will accommodate all fitness levels—from those who have previous Taekwon-Do experience to those who can’t touch their toes. Running Monday and Friday mornings, enrolment for one term is $100 per student, with family discounts available. Make sure to book in quickly!

Every Monday and Friday, 6 am – 7 am | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here.

Evening Taekwon-Do to wind down after a busy day

If you want gentle exercise but not first thing in the morning, Patrick Steele, is also taking evening Taekwon-Do classes at The Link. The class is aimed at beginners of all ages from pre-school age and over –  adults are also most welcome and are encouraged to join in with their children. Of course, anyone with TKD experience is also very welcome.
With no experience necessary – the class will accommodate fitness levels of all sorts, from those with a high degree of fitness and flexibility to those who don’t. Afterall, we all have to begin somewhere!

Mondays between 6 pm – 7 pm | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here

Stepping Stone Silent Book Club

Have you joined a book club like your New Year’s Resolution instructed you to? If you’re scared to take the plunge, this is a book club with a difference. There’s no assigned reading or discussion, just a peaceful space to read your book among fellow book lovers.
Silent Book Club is open to everyone, with no fees or age limits. Engage with others as much or as little as you like! So bring your current read, order your favourite beverage, and enjoy some uninterrupted reading time. Go on, you know you want to.

Sundays 10 March, 7 April, 21 April 2 pm – 4 pm | Cafe Stepping Stone Canberra, 90 Stockdill Drive, Strathnairn | Free but book here.

Tap into your zen with yoga classes

Get bendy during Thursday evenings at a yoga class! You don’t need any experience – just head along for the slow-flow class that will help melt away tension, build strength and mobility, and give you a chance to recharge. Take along a yoga mat, water bottle and comfy clothes.

Every Thursday, 7.15 pm – 8:15 pm | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here.

Simply Meditate

Try a Buddhist Meditation classes with the Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso at the Belco Arts Centre. Be guided through two relaxing meditations, each 15 mins long. Receive a short teaching and practical meditation tips to build your confidence. Sit on a chair or a cushion.

“When the turbulence of distracting thoughts subside and our mind becomes still, a deep happiness and contentment naturally arises from within.”

Every Wednesday, 12.30 pm – 1.15 pm | Meeting Room, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Banks, Belconnen | $12 per session (pay at the door), more information here.

Songbirds of Belconnen Choir

Enjoy a sociable, supportive environment to enhance your singing and musicianship skills by singing with others – it’s not only a fun, valuable learning opportunity, it’s great for our physical and mental health!

Every Tuesday, 7 pm – 8 pm | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here.