03 9398 2511
5 SARGOOD STREET ALTONA
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What's On

Spring Program 2024

A complete overview of our current and upcoming exhibitions, one-off events, ongoing programs, workshops/classes, and newly introduced programs—all tailored to our vibrant community. Whether you're looking to explore your creative side, join a new class, or stay updated on special events, there's something for everyone at Louis Joel Arts & Community.

Plus, don't miss a personal note from our Centre Manager, highlighting the season's must-see events and programs. Download the full seasonal program below and start planning your next visit!
Download our spring program here

Visual Arts

Art Playgroup Altona

Friday November 29th
10am - 11am

A supportive and calm environment, helping you enjoy being creative with your kids - knowing you don't have to clean up afterwards.
Activities can include chalk drawing on the ground, window scribbles, painting, practicing using scissors to cut up leaves and flowers, stamping on plain butchers paper, walking around or finding a quiet place to sit with a colouring sheet, and more.
A combination of nature play, sensory play, process art, and playgroup.
For kids aged 1 - 5 years.
Book Here

Twilight (Christmas) Market

Thursday 12th December | 4pm - 8pm

Join us at theTwilight Market for an evening of festive fun! Browse unique Christmas gifts like sculptures, handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, and more, or treat your taste buds to Christmas goodies, BBQ sausages, vegan options, and refreshing mocktails. Even your furry friends can enjoy special treats! Delight in live performances by One Voice Choir and Dramawerkz, and with just a $2 entry fee, you’ll have the chance to win lucky door prizes and more.

📅 Date: 12th December 2024
Don't miss this exciting fundraising event!

Wellbeing & Connection

Laughter Club Altona

Monthly, Sundays, 1pm
at Cherry Lake Market

They say laughter is the best medicine and studies show that laughter can have therapeutic benefits including reducing cortisol levels, encouraging the flow of endorphins and regulating heart rate and blood pressure. Facilitated by trained volunteers, Laughter Club is open to all ages and abilities.
FREE, no bookings required, donations appreciated.
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Flow & Yin Yoga

Weekly, Tuesdays, 7pm
from 17th September
Enjoy a slow flow that builds heat and energy, before releasing into Yin shapes that rest and restore. Designed to enhance strength and mobility in the muscles, joints and deeper connective tissues, focusing on warmth and circulation in the body and inner stillness in the mind. Suitable for all levels and perfect for those with busy lives wanting to slow down.
Book Here

Chinese Dance Class
with Nancy

Wednesdays at 1pm - 2:30pm
From 23rd October - 27th November

Combining the elegance of ballet with the charm of traditional Chinese dance. Whether you're looking to relax, get some exercise or experience the dance cultures of East and West, this course provides a unique opportunity to learn and enjoy. With guidance from a professional dance instructor, (pictured) participants will start with basic movements, focusing on physical and mental coordination, artistic expression and social interaction.
FREE to participate. Donations Welcome
Book Here

B.O.B Club
(Boys Own Barbeque)

Fortnightly, Mondays, 12pm - 1pm
from 30th September

Join the boys and help cook a barbeque lunch with this friendly and inclusive group. All men welcome; no booking necessary.
$6 per session
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Fridays by the Bay

Fortnightly, Fridays 10am - 1pm

Opened to people aged under 65. Social group, with arts & wellbeing activities at the centre, workshops, guest speakers, and monthly outings with small group. Lunch included.
$6.50 per session
Funded by Hobsons Bay City Council.
Email community@ljac.com.au to book
Contact Us

Death Cafe

Last Sunday of the month,
2pm - 4pm
Join in a conversation with people who are also interested in talking about death. While death is inevitable, it's often a topic that is avoided or spoken about in hushed tones. The monthly Death Cafe will be facilitated in a safe and supported setting, however Death Cafe is not a grief support or counselling session.
FREE, no bookings required, donations appreciated.
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Kings of the Kitchen

Weekly, Wednesdays 10am - 12pm

A cooking program for men of all ages, where you can learn, experiment, play, taste, and take home what you cook.
$12 per session. Contact 9398 2511 to book
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Chit Chat Tuesday

Weekly, Tuesdays, 1:30pm - 3pm
A social group for women. Activities, guest speakers, and good conversation.
FREE drop-in session
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Tai Chi - Spring 2024

Weekly, Thursdays, 10am & 11:15am
from 10th October to 19th December

Tai Chi is a gentle form of exercise that has multiple health and wellbeing benefits and is often described as moving meditation.
Please note: The 10am session is now booked out! Contact us on 9398 2511 or at admin@ljac.com.au to enquire about the 11:15am session.
Contact Us

Pier Poetry Group

Fortnightly, Fridays 11am - 12:30pm
from 20th September
An opportunity for people who love poetry (including song lyrics) to come together and share some poems or lyrics outlining why they enjoy a particular piece, how it makes them feel or think and a brief background on the poet or songwriter.
Group convener is our Poet-In-Residence, Peter Roberts.
FREE to attend.
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Chair Yoga

Weekly, Wednesdays, 3pm - 4pm
Want all the benefits of Yoga but getting up or down from the mat is a challenge? Then come try Chair Yoga.
FREE drop-in session
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Chatty Café

Weekly, Thursdays, 1:30pm - 3pm
Join us for a relaxing cuppa and a chat.

FREE drop-in session
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Craft & Textile

Knit & Stitch

Tuesdays, 12:30pm - 3pm
Bring your knitting, crochet, hand-sewing, cross stitch and have a lovely chat
FREE session.
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Sustainable Living​

Repair Café Altona

First Saturday of the month, 12pm - 3pm
5th October and 2nd November

Have household items and treasures in need of repairs? Book in to see our clever volunteer 'fixers' and save waste to landfill. Why chuck it when you can fix it? FREE, donations appreciated.
Email culture@ljac.com.au to book
Contact Us

In the Gallery

We Are Made of Stars

Amanda Ruck, featuring collaborative works with poet Beata Frey Taylor & visual artist/designer Simon Bowland
26th October - 5th December

Amanda Ruck has spent many years looking up at the sky, tilting her head, squinting into the sun, working out how light and colours define clouds.
Amanda uses cloudy weather patterns as a vehicle for emotion. Her dark broody landscapes provide a ballast for a window of light, allowing the viewer to contemplate where the path leads, or what is over the horizon.

Image courtesy of Amanda Ruck.
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Learning Curve

Hobsons Bay Art Society
Group Exhibition
Opening event: Friday 6th Dec 7pm
6th December - 20th December

A celebration of artistic development enjoyed by artists attending HBAS art classes and groups throughout 2024.

Image courtesy of Hobsons Bay Art Society
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Online

Louis Joel Poetry Podcast

Discussing all things poetry with your hosts Peter Roberts (Poet-in-Residence at LJAC), David Tredinnick (actor, playwright, raconteur, audio buff, archivist) & Colleen Murphy (writer, diversity champion, another raconteur). Each podcast will have interviews with poets, with people who convene poetry appreciation groups, with editors or producers of poetry magazines and with members of the community outlining some of their favourite (or least favourite) poems or song lyrics, and why.
Listen Here

In Conversation With

Our latest artist talk with Varga Hosseini now available online!

We enjoy hosting our exhibiting artists for talks, performances, workshops, or demonstrations. Watch our latest interviews with exhibiting artists such as Dovey Dee, Stu Thomas & Ceardai Demelza, on our Youtube Channel at the link below.

Image from 'In Conversation with': Varga Hosseini during his collaborative exhibition with Fari Hosseini 'Light Touch'.
Watch Here

Let's stay connected

Get a monthly update on what's coming up at Louis Joel Arts & Community and be informed of new exhibitions, events, workshops, opportunities and more.
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Donate Today

We are proud to have been supporting the community of Hobsons Bay for almost 20 years by delivering affordable arts, culture & leisure programs. You can make a direct impact to your community by donating to Louis Joel Arts & Community.
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Louis Joel Arts & Community  | Gallery
5 Sargood Street Altona
+61 9398 2511

Post: PO Box 583, Altona VIC 3018 
Email: admin@ljac.com.au

Monday – Friday: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: 11am to 2pm 

Entry is always FREE

Thank you for supporting our programs and community

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands and waterways where our Centre is located, the Boonwurrung/Bunurong people, and pay respect to Elders past and present, and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We appreciate the strength, resilience and pride of First Nations peoples, as demonstrated through cultural practices including storytelling, art, dance, music and care for country and communities.
We commit to the process of deep listening and truth telling as we walk shoulder to shoulder with First Nations peoples, and to inspiring all users of our Centre to care for our communities and our country, following the example set by the First Nations people in their enduring occupancy of this land over thousands of generations

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Be the first to know about exhibitions, programs & events!

Image supplied by Scarlett Rose of exhibition 'Flesh & Clothes' with artworks by Jesse Symon & Lin Tobias