allcare Client Spotlight: Deirdre’s passion of bringing the arts to her community
At allcare, we like to highlight the lives of our clients. We dedicate time to getting to know their stories and highlighting their achievements. Today we focus on Deirdre, whose incredible contributions to education and the arts have left a lasting impact on her community.
Deirdre’s career in education and the arts has been one of passion, resilience, and transformation. Born in Boorowa in 1942, Deirdre developed a love for teaching early on, inspired by her own school days. She found solace in the classroom, especially under the mentorship of two dedicated teachers at Corrimal Public School who encouraged her to express herself through language and drawing.
After graduating from Sydney Teachers College and Sydney National Arts School, Deirdre’s career began at Wollongong High School, where she became the school’s first art teacher and built a thriving art department from the ground up. By her second year, the school had an established art block, enabling her to engage students in hands-on art education.
Deirdre’s impact grew further at The Illawarra Grammar School (TIGS) where she developed a thriving art department and led gallery trips, workshops with local artists, and school exhibitions. With the support of headmaster Ian Chapman, she was a catalyst for creative culture at the school. During the 1980s, she contributed to state-level curriculum development, advocating for art as an essential component of education.
Following her time at TIGS, Deirdre continued part-time teaching across various schools and at the University of Wollongong. After she stopped teaching, she continued to contribute to community art through leading collaborative works such as ‘Life Among Legs’ and ‘Bright Lives’. These installations, among others, supported causes close to her heart, such as children’s health and community harmony, reflecting her commitment to art as a tool for connection and understanding.
In 2002, Deirdre opened a gallery, Vision and Space, in Austinmer, which became a vital community hub. For seven years, the gallery hosted exhibitions, workshops, and events, collaborating with local festivals and markets. Through Vision and Space, Deirdre provided a platform for emerging artists, helping to foster a dynamic cultural scene in the region.
Today, Deirdre remains a prominent figure in the artistic community. Reflecting on her journey, she speaks fondly of the connections she’s forged in the region, stating, “Wollongong is my spirit of place”. Her life’s work stands as a testament to creativity’s role in education and community. Deirdre’s influence reaches beyond her roles as teacher and artist - she is a curator, collector, mentor, and advocate for the arts.