Dads Galore

Dads Galore
Children’s Art Exhibition
Featuring the artwork of Montmorency children
Thursday 10th September 2009

What a fabulous turnout of more than a hundred people for our latest art opening, ‘Dads’ an exhibition celebrating the important role father’s play in the lives of children.

Young artists from three Montmorency Primary Schools: Montmorency, Montmorency South and St Francis Xavier’s proudly showed their work and stories to an admiring crowd of parents, siblings, grandparents and school communities.
Children from grades prep to six produced art work depicting their Dads at work and play. The message the children convey is that they value spending time with their fathers; playing, going to the park, holidays and just joking and laughing together.

Mr Tim Mulvany, President of CPS welcomed everyone to our house especially the children who, as he put it are more important than all the buildings and money in the world. He noted that every picture depicted Dads smiling, demonstrating the special relationships they share with their children. He added that often we have sad, vulnerable children visiting our house and how their counsellors often comment how the beautiful, pictures cheer up our visitors and brighten their workplace.

The Exhibition was opened by Mr Bernie Geary, OAM, Child Safety Commissioner, local father and grandfather. He was pleased to see so many happy smiling faces as he presented the artists with a certificate and a small token of appreciation. He knew that these pictures would be treasured for years to come and help dads to see that the little things they do are special in the lives of their children. He was a little envious of the talent displayed and wished his Grandchildren were able to draw him so well that they showed his very good looks and handsome features!

Mr Andrew Rush, Team Leader of Men’s and Father’s support services for the Children’s Protection Society says “CPS is proud to host an art exhibition that acknowledges Fathers Day since we know that through healthy relationships with their children, Fathers can contribute significantly to the lives and well-being of themselves, their partners, children and community.
Men’s wellbeing is reciprocally intertwined with the quality of care, intimacy and compassion in their significant relationships with children, family and community.”

The art exhibition is part of our “Covering Empty Walls Project” which links CPS to the community through art. Congratulations to all the artists for their fabulous work which will remain on display in The Elaine Marriner Children’s Art Gallery at CPS until the end of November and can be viewed during the hours of 9-5pm Monday to Friday.