Pat Hayes holds up an acrylic rendition of a famous Frederick McCubbin painting, Down on His Luck, featuring a forlorn swagman sitting by a campfire.
It is one of many paintings that the Mercy Place Cairns (Bethlehem) resident has produced since she first began art classes at Coral Sea Gardens Retirement Village two years ago.
“I had never held a paintbrush in my hand before then,” Pat says, then corrects herself: “Except when Peter and I were first married – and I helped him paint the bathroom.”
That was 67 years ago, but over the past two years Pat has become a prolific painter. Several of her works are on display in the village’s ‘art gallery’, while others have been lovingly distributed among Pat and Peter’s seven children, 16 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Pat Hayes’ rendition of the McCubbin masterpiece.
The art classes are led by volunteer Carole Higgins, whom Pat says is “just wonderful”.
Carole trained in design and fashion in the United Kingdom and worked as a pattern cutter and dressmaker for several years before emigrating to Cairns with her family in 1995.
Carole also taught English as a Second Language off and on for several years. For Carole, volunteering at Coral Sea Gardens was the perfect opportunity to combine her passion for art and design with her skills in teaching and tutoring.
“There are so many capable artists in the class that sometimes I wonder why they want me there,” Carole says with a laugh. “But I am there to help if they need it and to build up their confidence.
“It is also a nice social activity and often the highlight of their week — and mine.”
In fact, Carole enjoyed the company at Coral Sea Gardens so much that a year ago she joined Mercy Health as a home care worker. She now provides domestic assistance for some of the residents at Coral Sea Gardens.
“It is such a worthwhile job, helping people to stay independent at home and working with them to achieve what they want to achieve each day,” Carole says.
Last reviewed July 20, 2022.