Last month we opened a new exhibition titled
Whimsy by internationally renowned artist Debbie Daks at the ONJ Centre.
Whimsy is a heartfelt and vibrant exhibition that invites viewers to rediscover joy in the everyday.
Diagnosed with breast cancer earlier last year, Debbie has found solace and strength in her art, “Art is my way of communicating without words - it’s always been my sanctuary. Creating helps me focus on light, beauty, and joy during challenging times.”
A special feature of
Whimsy will be the inclusion of artworks created by children whose family members are receiving treatment at the ONJ Centre. These pieces, developed during family art workshops co-facilitated by Debbie and the ONJ Art Therapy program, will be added to the exhibition throughout January.
“My art speaks to children and the child within us all,” shares Debbie, and through this evolving collection aims to reflect the collaborative and restorative spirit of the exhibition’s intention, where children’s voices and creativity take centre stage.
Arts in Healthcare Coordinator and Exhibition Curator Fiona Scottney shares, “
Whimsy is more than an exhibition; it is an invitation to embrace wonder, delight, and connection. We encourage our patients with children to join the family art workshop and experience the joy and healing power of art.”
The two art workshops will be held on 17 January, with registrations closing on 10 January, and on 24 January, with registrations closing on 20 January. The workshops will run from 10am to 12pm.
All families and children who participate in the workshops will be invited back to attend the Opening of the exhibition with the new additions on 30 January 2025.
Debbie dedicates
Whimsy to the ONJ Centre staff, patients, and families who embody courage and compassion. She especially honours the support of her medical team, and the ONJ art therapy team, describing them as, “a dream, who understand the medicine of art.”
Join us and become a part of this beautiful journey of creativity and resilience!
To register for one of the art workshops, or for more information, please email
arttherapy.onj@austin.org.au.