This year’s theme, ‘Secret Garden’ displays real and imagined work, made from textiles, fleece and anything else the ladies could get their hands on. Formerly known as ‘The good time girls’ this group of artistic women was formed in the late 1980s as a ‘cloth doll group’ and has since evolved into a monthly congregation of creative minds who explore the depths of their imaginations to create a broad variety of works. Former group president Barb Lomas has been a member for 15 years and loves the attitude of the group, “We all join in, if you’ve got a problem someone will help you, if you’re not that good, no one cares.” Part of why they’ve been around as long as they have, is the friendliness of all involved. As Barb says, “I enjoy the challenge and I enjoy the friendship, and I think that’s mainly most of what the group is.” All of the groups themes are open to individual perspective, giving members the freedom to express themselves and push their personal limits. Barb explains that all members of the group are encouraged to flaunt their pieces regardless of how much, or little they’ve accomplished. “If you want to exhibit one, or a hundred, we’ll accommodate. We don’t say no, to any of the members.”
This year, for the first time ‘The Dabblers’ have received a grant from the City of Greater Bendigo to help cover the costs associated with creating their ‘Secret Garden’, and any funds not used will be donated back into the community via various charity organisations. The group meet at St Liborius Parish Church in Eaglehawk, the second Sunday of every month.