Exhibition with Attitude!

The experience - and lines - that come with age were celebrated last night in a sneak preview of the COVID-inspired Laughter Lines portraiture exhibition that is running this weekend and next (from 10am til 4pm) at the Senior Citizens' Centre in Clunes.

Photo: From the back - Councillor. Tess Halliday, Lois Nichols, Tess Brady and Exhibition Photographer/Exhibitor, Ann Jeffree.

Coronavirus made us all conscious of the vulnerability that comes with age during the first lockdown, sparking photographer Ann Jeffree to develop the idea for Laughter Lines. Later, as the second lockdown brought masks with it, the lines that reflect our character seemed strangely absent as we all adjusted to the added protection they gave.

However last night nearly 50 faces were on display as part of the exhibition. With a COVIDsafe plan in place, an emphasis on social distancing, wearing masks when not eating or drinking and maintaining correct ratio's inside, Laughter Lines was a preview unlike others we'd experienced. It was also a new beginning.

Attitude - Ageing Well in Clunes

Laughter Lines coincided with the launch of an emerging new group of Clunes residents who are 60+. Part of a demographic that represents more than 23% of our population, Attitude - Ageing Well in Clunes also evolved during COVID-19. The Senior Citizen's Club sadly closed for good during lockdown, but not before sharing their insights and learnings about operating a group focused on positive ageing in Clunes. Attitude - Ageing Well in Clunes listened and developed a prospectus (see below) charting their way forward. At the Laughter Lines exhibition this was released, and soon they'll be sharing a summer program of events.

attitude.pdf

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To find out more about Attitude - Ageing Well in Clunes contact Lois Nichols, co-ordinator on 0467 331 136.

Laughter Lines was supported by Hepburn Shire Council's Coronavirus Community Response Fund, in partnership with Clunes Neighbourhood House. The installation was supported by Davies & Rose, Creswick and built by the Clunes Men's Shed.

AUTHOR: Lana de Kort.