The Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre (LJAC) in Altona is a wonderful destination for families seeking creativity, connection, and community engagement.
This vibrant facility offers a wide array of family-friendly events, an art gallery, kids art classes and other activities that cater to all ages and foster a love for the arts.
Louis Joel Arts And Community Centre Altona
Proudly community-owned and operated, Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre (LJAC) has been providing a range of activities and events to engage and enrich the local community since opening in 2005.
LJAC offers various multipurpose rooms which can be hired for events, as well as office spaces, the Louis Joel Gallery and gift shop, a large courtyard with a community garden, recycle drop-off bins and various community and volunteer programs. The centre is also somewhere you can drop in and just rest, make yourself a cuppa and have a friendly chat.
At the entrance you’ll find a community noticeboard advertising all sorts of events and services in the local area plus a Little Library and Free Little Art Gallery, where you can take a book or small artwork and leave one behind for someone else to enjoy.
Located minutes from Altona Beach, Logan Reserve Playground, Altona Library and the many worthwhile restaurants and cafes on Pier Street, LJAC is another great stop for families to tick off while exploring Altona.
At LJAC, you’ll discover a surprising variety of community groups hosting an eclectic range of creative, educational and fun programs year-round.
From sewing clubs, to poetry recitals, gardening workshops and theatre classes. Or perhaps you’re more interested in the death cafe, tai chi, creative arts therapy or community yoga. With a focus on creativity, wellness and connection, there’s something to provide an uplifting experience for all.
Louis Joel Gallery
Featuring up to 26 fortnightly exhibitions each year, the Louis Joel Gallery is a beautiful space where community members can appreciate the talent and creativity of local and emerging artists.
Exhibitions often feature a blend of mediums, styles, and themes, providing an enriching cultural experience for visitors of all ages. Open daily, families can explore the gallery space at leisure, marvel at the artwork, and there’s often an opportunity to engage in interactive activities that promote artistic exploration and understanding.
Find a treasure or gift at the gallery shop while you’re there. This is a great way to support the works of local artists, designers and crafters who are inspired by Melbourne’s west. The glass display cabinet is located in the foyer and purchases can be made at the reception desk.
The Fun In Art
There are over ten different art classes held at LJAC. Whether you’re into painting, pastels, sketching or water colour, there’s sure to be something to get your creative juices flowing.
One of our favourite toddler and kids art classes is hosted by Tegan Farrugia of The Fun In Art, who provides weekly drop-in sessions at LJAC.
In these art classes kids get to explore a variety of art activities often involving drawing, colouring, sticking, crafting, painting and best of all, drawing on the window!
Theatrix
LJAC is also home to a range of fitness, recreational and performing arts classes.
Drama-loving kids aged between 8 – 12 years will enjoy Theatrix. Hosted by Mia Boonen of Dramawerks, these weekly classes provide an opportunity to explore different acting styles and performance techniques through a variety of fun games and learning based drama activities.
Mia also hosts a weekly class for older kids, aged 13 – 17 years, which help them to develop skills and creativity in performing, whilst making new friends and having lots of fun.
Altona Repair Cafe
Do you need help fixing something that’s broken? The Altona Repair Cafe brings people together once a month at LJAC to repair broken items, promote sustainability, and reduce waste.
Not only inspiring but rewarding too, this experience sees individuals volunteering their time to help others fix their broken belongings, such as household appliances, electronics, furniture, clothing, bicycles, and more. You might even make some new friends too!
Other things to note about Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre
- Check out the Little Library and Little Art Gallery outside the entrance
- Visit Louis Joel Gallery and the gallery shop
Open: 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday
11am to 3pm Saturday and Sunday
- Toilets with change table facilities are onsite
- Head to the kitchen to top up drink bottles or make yourself a coffee
- Make use of the outdoor seating with an edible garden
- Parking is available at LJAC or on the surrounding streets
- It’s just a short walk to Altona Train Station
- Check out the other community organisations LJAC supports and works in collaboration with, including The Hobsons Bay Arts Society, The Victorian College of the Arts, The Hobsons Bay Camera Club, Indigenous Artists, Multicultural Victoria and the LGBTQI Community
Author: Amy Gardner
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