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Enhance Your Brain and Skill with Raw Art Workshop

For 25 years, Raw Art Workshop has been holding creative classes for all ages at its West End studio. Raw Art Workshop has proudly taught over a million creatives, from budding little artists developing their talents to adults rediscovering and rekindling their passion for arts and crafts.

With the addition of its in-school programs in 2019, the studio has been bustling than ever before. As another year gets underway, Raw Art remains committed to guiding its new batch of creatives through its lead instructor Tracy McDowall and her team.

*Photo Credit: Raw Art Workshops/Facebook*

Arts and crafts classes are a way for the children to develop their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and creativity. For adults, these creative classes are for stress relief and for getting unstuck in a rut when work, routines and responsibilities become overwhelming.

Hands-on art workshops also tap part of the brain that helps with critical thinking, problem-solving and complex analysis. Thus, adults and kids alike can greatly benefit from these sessions.

WHAT	WHO	WHEN	LESSON
Kindy Creative Thursdays	3.5 to 5 years old, with parent/guardian	Thursdays during the school term 9:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.	draw using pencils, charcoals or pastels work with clay cut and create stamps paint explore 3D media and mix media at least 10 sessions
Kids Art Club	5 to 12 years old	After school 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. (Wednesday & Thursday) 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (Saturday)	a range of 2D and 3D art activities at least 15 sessions
Adult Workshops	Above 18 years old	As scheduled (refer to the website)	still life painting Macrame Other creative workshops

Raw Art Workshop is also open for party functions, kids art parties and group bookings. For enquiries about classes, slots and rates, phone Tracy at 0419 776 952.

Says Tracy, “Even after 25 years of doing RAW Art, I still strongly believe in the importance of art in peoples lives, and think it should be accessible to all- young or old. Creativity brings so much joy to people, and I am happy and proud to be a part of that link.”

Avid Reader Bookshop in West End to Host ‘Harry Potter’ 20th Anniversary Edition Launch

Twenty years ago, author J.K. Rowling released the fourth series of her best-selling “Harry Potter” fantasy novels. To celebrate this milestone, a 20th Year Anniversary Hogwarts Edition of “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” will soon be available at the Avid Reader Bookshop in West End.

On Thursday, the 23rd of Jan 2020, Avid Reader Bookshop in collaboration with next-door neighbour Where The Wild Things Are Bookshop, will be hosting a launch party for this special edition release. Happening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the event will feature award-winning illustrator Levi Pinfold as the resource speaker, who will share some behind-the-scenes tidbits of illustrating special edition releases.

The Forest of Dean talent won the prestigious CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal in 2013 for his “Black Dog” picture book. He was also awarded the Amnesty Honor at the 2018 CILIP Kate Greenaway Awards.

*Photo Credit: Avid Reader Bookshop/Facebook*

Fans keen on getting a copy of the “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” 20th Year Anniversary Hogwarts Edition during the launch will receive Mr Pinfold’s specially designed crests of the four houses: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff. Included in the book is a bonus content about the reader’s favourite house.

Before Mr Pinfold’s talk, the bookshops will be running a series of “Harry Potter” fun activities:

WHAT	WHEN
Wand Making Workshop	2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Triwizard Trivia – Trivia for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire	4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Guests are also free to grab any book to read in between the activities or have some bite at the cafe.

Avid Reader Bookshop opened in West End in 1997. By 2004, the bookstore moved to its current location in Boundary Street and opened a cafe and events place for launches, signings and book club meets.

Where the Wild Things Are is the bookstore’s kids section and specialty shop, which opened in 2015.

Pie Town Is Here to Fill Your Tummy with Sweet and Savory Goodness

Photo Credit: Pie Town/Facebook

From its early days as a stall selling pies at Wandering Cooks in 2017, Pie Town finally set up a permanent shop in West End in 2019. Despite being a relatively new kid on the block, it has been gaining popularity for serving some of the best pies in town.

Pie Town specialises in American-style sweet and savoury pies, all made from scratch by hand. In addition to sweet and savoury pies, they also have rotating vegan hand pie and veggie roll options, depending on the season.

Those who like pies of the rich variety should opt for a slice of Earl Grey pie, a decadent layer of chocolate ganache, Earl Grey-infused pastry cream topped with whipped cream and pistachios, and a flaky pie crust.

Fruit lovers might prefer a slice of the classic Apple Pie with their signature butter crust. For a serving of hearty and comforting vegetarian pie, there’s the Mushroom Bourguignon pie, made of locally grown field mushrooms braised in red wine stew.

The Pepper Steak Pie is infused with slow-cooked chunky beef and goes perfectly with a cup of buttery and sweet Big Dog Blend courtesy of Wolff Coffee Roasters. Vegan and gluten-free options include Ratatouille Hand Pie (zucchini, eggplant and capsicum braised in tomato sauce) and eggplant and mushroom roll. Or maybe you want to try their infamous Pumpkin Pie, which is made using their homemade, secret recipe for spiced pumpkin custard.

Pie Town proudly supports local producers like Echo Valley Farm for eggs, beef, and pork products, Barambah Organic Dairy, Food Connect Brisbane, Suncoast Limes and Boyne River Pecans.

Every month, Pie Town donates 5% of their profits to a local charity or group they feel passionate about. Owner Susie Yang extends her environmental advocacy by giving customers a discount for bringing their own containers for takeaway.

Pies are available for pick up from the store at 342 Montague Road in West End. They are open seven days a week, from 7.30 am to 9:00 pm Mondays to Saturdays and from 7.30am – 2:00 pm on Sundays. They require a couple of days’ notice for whole pie orders.

Stylish New South Brisbane Cafe Serves Asian-Fusion Brunch

Photo Credit: Ethan Dou/Google Maps

Looking for a good place to relax with a cup of coffee whilst enjoying your favourite Asian-fusion brunch? Check out The Garner Cafe, a brand new cafe located in an old Queenslander in South Brisbane.

The cafe, just a short walk from the Musgrave Park, fuses Asian and modern Aussie flair in a prime West End location previously occupied by Duo Bar and Restaurant. They focus on Asian dishes with lots of takes on Chinese food. Think cha-sum pork, soba noodle salad (mixed salad, avocado , deep fried five spice tofu, and black rice pudding) and baked miso eggs. But the star here is the congee, which is also the cafe’s signature dish.

They both have an outdoor seating and some laid back spots inside. If you’re a fan of minimalist outdoor seating, you will love their sunny and zen-inspired courtyard. It will be a perfect setting for gathering with friends and loved ones as you enjoy your sando (a short Japanese term for sandwich). The chicken Katsu sando is an amalgam of deep-fried panko chicken katsu, miso glazed rice patty, cabbage, kewpie mayo, tonkotsu, English mustard.

The Garner Cafe is brought by Chef Jerry Huang and Ethan Dou, who brought us the Street Lab Specialty Coffee in Fortitude Valley and the CBD. The duo wanted to come up with a cafe serving Asian-fusion dishes just like the way Sydney cafes Boon Cafe and Room 10 do it.

As a heads up, they will be closed from 23 December 2019 until 6 January 2020. They don’t have a website yet but you can get more updates from them via Instagram. The Garner Cafe is open Wednesday to Sunday from 7:00 am until 3:00 pm but you can buy sando from them on weekdays, from 7:00 am to 1:30 pm.

Middle Eastern Restaurant Ehden Bar and Kitchen Debuts in West End

Photo Credit: Ehden Bar & Kitchen West End/Facebook

Craving for some Middle Eastern foods such as hummus or baba ganoush? Head over to Ehden Bar and Kitchen in West End, a new restaurant serving modern Australian cuisine, alongside flavours of the Middle East and the Mediterranean.

Settle in and start off with some roasted cauliflower hummus served with fried chickpeas and cumin or get the refreshing beetroot hummus. Other options include tons of mezze (small plates of savoury snacks) like the pacific oysters, house-made Lebanese sausages, crumbed feta stuffed olives and aioli, and BBQ octopus.

Photo Credit: Ehden Bar & Kitchen West End/Facebook

For mains, the whole grilled chicken is an ideal sharing dish, served with heirloom tomato, cucumber fattoush salad, rustic fries, coleslaw and grilled pita. They also serve freshly shucked oysters best paired with a cocktail or wine from their drinks menu.

Restaurateur Simon Barakat is behind the newest addition to the West End eatery. He also co-owns two of Brisbane’s most celebrated restaurants, The Defiant Duck in Newstead and Il Verde in Fortitude Valley.

Mr Barakat got the name of the restaurant from Ehden, a mountainous town in the northern mountains of Lebanon. It’s surrounded by a stunning forest and refreshed by a breathtaking water stream which bursts off it’s eastern mountain.

“For over 400 years, every summer the people of nearby coastal village of Zgharta leave their homes and migrate to Ehden to enjoy the cooler days, time with loved ones and the beauty of the area. This place is where our story begins,” Ehden Bar & Kitchen posted on their website.

True to its name, Ehden’s function venues are ideal for get-together. The ‘Garden of Ehden’ is an exclusive garden oasis that can seat 60. Those who want to keep it private may opt for The Cellar, an underground bar and dining space. Like The Cellar, the main bar is ideal for hosting a private dining event or stand-up cocktail party.

Ehden Bar and Kitchen is now taking bookings for lunch and dinner. They are located at 400 Montague Rd, West End and opens seven days from 11:30 am until late. They will be closed from 23 December 2019 and will reopen on 3 January 2020 with the normal trade hours. Visit their Facebook page for more information.

Make Your Own Gin at This West End Master Distillers Experience

Brisbane Distillery at Jane Street in West End brings the “school spirit” to a different level with its very own gin school where you can learn how to make your own distilled botanical-flavoured drink.

Brisbane Distillery’s Master Distillers Experience is a two-hour class for up to 24 people held above the main distilling room on the top loft. Before the class starts, you’ll go through a tasting session to pick your favourite flavour, which you’ll be making during the class.

*Photo Credit: Brisbane Distillery/Facebook*

With over 100 botanical ingredients to choose from, you could easily concoct a personalised drink to take home or give as a gift. Some of these ingredients include the basic juniper berries, heaps of herbs, fruits and flowers, or a unique choice of about a dozen Australian bush food.

Once you’ve picked out the flavours you want, the guiding team will help you distill the drink using one of Brisbane Distillery’s copper stills. Whilst you’re learning the step-by-step process, you’ll also have a chance to sip different gins from the distillery. That’s right — you’re actually encouraged to drink alcohol during the class!

To make the experience more fun, invite your friends along so you can be in the same class together. Sign up for the gin school online. Classes are held at 2:30 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.

Brisbane Distillery is currently the only gin distillery in West End. Here, expert distillers can mix a 100ml bottle of personalised drinks but you can also choose from the variety of blends they have at the bar.

This site is open Monday to Sunday from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m. but the hours are extended until 11:00 p.m. from Thursday to Saturday.

This West End Walking Tour Will Help You Get into Sustainable Fashion

Sustainable fashion is a growing movement that, among other things, fosters positive changes in the way people buy clothes, shoes and accessories to benefit the environment. If you’re interested in learning about this lifestyle or if you want to find out where to get ethical and locally-made products in West End, then you must join the sustainable fashion walking tour on Saturday, the 7th of Dec 2019.

Britt’s List founder and editor Brittanie Dreghorn will lead the walking tour from 9:30 a..m. to 12:00 p.m. To begin at the clothing shop Nook in Browning Street, Britt will then take her guests to the rest of the stores in the area that cultivate sustainable fashion.

As a tour attendee, you can take advantage of the exclusive store discounts that come with your ticket purchase to this event. You may also personally speak to the store owners and designers about the ways they create and sell products whilst reducing their carbon footprint.

Britt will also impart her knowledge on ethical fashion and renewable energy in manufacturing, as well as highlight Australian brands that are part of this movement. A thought leader in the industry, Britt launched Britt List in 2017 to raise awareness and profile brands that are trying to reduce the damages they create in the Earth.

Each participant in this sustainable fashion walking tour will receive tote bags filled with gifts from the sponsors and stores. Slots are limited to 15 participants. Book your ticket online.

Locals Urged to Have Their Say on Proposed Green Bridges Connecting Toowong and St Lucia to West End

Two of the five green bridges being proposed by the Council will connect St Lucia and Toowong to West End. Members of the community are invited to have their say about these projects before Friday 6 December 2019.

The West End-St Lucia green bridge will connect pedestrians and cyclists from the University of Queensland at St Lucia to West End, Highgate Hill and the Brisbane Central Business District (CBD) and vice versa.

The proposed alignment is from the corner of Keith Street and Macquarie Street in St Lucia, extending across the Brisbane River to the southern end of Boundary Street in West End.

*St Lucia-West End bridge proposed alignment*
*Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-and-transport/roads-infrastructure-and-bikeways/*

Another project, the West End-Toowong green bridge, will serve as the link between West End and Toowong business area, rail and ferry services, existing walking and cycling network, as well as the proposed St Lucia to West End green bridge.

The proposed alignment will extend from near Archer Street in Toowong, across the Brisbane River to Orleigh Park, and near Forbes Street in West End.

*Toowong-West End bridge proposed alignment*
*Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-and-transport/roads-infrastructure-and-bikeways/*

Locals are invited to have their say by answering the online survey here. Alternatively, they may visit any of the following community information sessions:

Date	Time	Location
Thursday 14 November 2019	11 a.m. – 2 p.m.	Reddacliff Place, 266 George Street, Brisbane City
Saturday 16 November 2019	7 a.m. – 12 p.m.	Davies Park Markets, West End
Monday 18 November 2019	4 p.m. – 7 p.m.	South Brisbane Sailing Club, West End
Tuesday 19 November 2019	4 p.m. – 7 p.m.	Ground level foyer, Queensland Multicultural Centre, 102 Main Street, Kangaroo Point
Friday 22 November 2019	10 a.m. – 1 p.m.	St Lucia Community Hall, 27 Guilfoyle Street, St Lucia
Saturday 23 November 2019	10 a.m. – 2 p.m.	Captain Burke Park, 117 Holman Street, Kangaroo Point
Monday 25 November 2019	3 a.m. – 6 p.m.	Toowong Library, Toowong Village Shopping Centre, 9 Sherwood Road, Toowong
Tuesday 26 November 2019	10 a.m. – 1 p.m.	Queen Street Mall main stage, Brisbane City
Thursday 28 November 2019	10 a.m. – 2 p.m.	Bellbowrie Mobile Library, Bellbowrie Shopping Plaza, 37 Birkin Road, Bellbowrie
Saturday 30 November 2019	2 p.m. – 8 p.m.	Bretts Wharf, Hamilton
Sunday 1 December 2019	8 a.m. – 3 p.m.	Riverside Markets, City Botanic Gardens, Alice and Albert streets, Brisbane City
Tuesday 3 December 2019	3 p.m. – 6 p.m.	City Botanic Gardens (near Alice Street and Edward Street roundabout), Brisbane City

Learn more about the project and feel free to provide feedback by:

emailing the project team
writing to:
Green Bridges for Brisbane
City Projects Office
Brisbane City Council
GPO Box 1434
Brisbane Qld 4001

In all, the Council is looking to deliver five green bridges across Brisbane:

Kangaroo Point Bridge -from Alice/Edward Street roundabout (near the City Botanic Gardens) to Scott Street, Kangaroo Point
Bellbowrie Bridge – from the river end of Weekes Road in Bellbowrie to Grindle Road in Wacol
Breakfast Creek Bridge – from Kingsford Smith Drive at Albion to Breakfast Creek Road at Newstead.
St Lucia-West End Bridge and Toowong-West Bridge

It’s “All Systems Go” for West End State School Expansion

The sod has been turned, signalling the start of Stage 1 of the West End State School expansion project.

Education Minister Grace Grace and Member for South Brisbane Jackie Trad have also officially named Hutchinson Builders as the official contractor for the $25.7-million, during the sod-turning ceremony.

Expected to be completed in mid-2020 and cater to over 1,700 students, the expansion project will see West End State School “transformed into a larger campus that can cater for the growing number of enrolments,” Ms Trad said

“West End State School is a popular school in my electorate with 1,100 students currently enrolled at the school, only set to increase.

“We’ve listened to what parents and carers have said and incorporated their feedback into the project,” she said.

“All new classrooms will be connected by a green-space campus heart, giving students a dedicated space for outdoor learning and play.

“That was one of the most important issues that parents raised, and I’m pleased to see that we’re delivering on that.”

West End State School expansion — *Photo credit: The State of Queensland (Department of Education) 2019 / qed.qld.gov.au*

“I’m extremely excited to see our school campus transform and capture the essence of our education direction for the students at West End State School,” Principal Kim McNamara said.

“We’ve been on the journey since the concept design development, and across the board the collaboration has been remarkable, to ensure our students are equipped with modern and specialised facilities.

“Growth brings excitement, new people and new challenges, and with abundance of outdoor and flexible spaces planned, the students will be empowered to achieve their personal best.”

About West End State School expansion

The West End State School (WESS) expansion project is aimed at accommodating the enrolment growth at the school, which currently has more than 1,000 students. Designed by Cox Architecture, the project will deliver new teaching and learning spaces, along with outdoor play environments for the students.

Stage 1 will deliver a new three-storey learning centre on the corner of Horan and Ambleside streets which will include 16 learning spaces, outdoor landscaped areas, and a new pick/drop-off zone.

Stage 2 of the construction is expected to be completed in 2022 which is broken down into Stages 2a and 2b. Stage 2a will include the construction of a multi-level facility which will contain the administration, library, and 15 classrooms, to be located on Ambleside Street.

Stage 2b will include a creative learning centre with an undercover car park, to be located on the corner of Horan and Vulture streets.

Applications for Brisbane’s Creative and History Grants for 2019-2020 Now Open

Did you know that you can apply for a grant with the Brisbane City Council to fund your projects as an artist, creative or art worker? Whether as an individual or as a group, you can secure funding between $10,000 to $30,000 through the Creative and History Grants if you have a brilliant idea that would also benefit West End or the rest of Brisbane.

In fact, applications are now being accepted at the Council for three types of grants below:

GRANT		DEADLINE of APPLICATION
Creative Sparks Grants Program Funding: $10,000	For creatives whose initiatives will help enrich Brisbane’s cultural, social and economic status.	Monday 9th of Dec 2019
Lord Mayor’s Young and Emerging Artists Fellowships Funding: $20,000	For budding creatives who want a career in the arts. Age limit: 17 to 30 years old	Monday 9th of Dec 2019
Innovation Grants Program Funding: $30,000	For innovators with unique ideas, products or projects.	Monday 16th of Dec 2019

If you’re interested in giving this grant application a shot, the Council is also willing to help you prepare a good pitch by hosting a Creative Grant Information Sessions for the first two weeks of November 2019. Attending one of these sessions will provide you with more information to ensure that your application will be picked, such as:

the different creative grant programs available
grant guidelines and application forms
advice on project eligibility and
tips on making an application

Take note of the time, date and location of the Creative Grant Information Sessions below:

Date/Time	Location
Monday, 4 Nov 2019 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.	Brisbane Square Library 266 George Street, Brisbane City BOOK YOUR TICKET
Wednesday, 6 Nov 2019 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.	Nundah Library 1 Bage Street via Primrose Lane, Nundah BOOK YOUR TICKET
Thursday, 7 Nov 2019 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.	Seven Hills Hub 28 Tallowwood St, Seven Hills * near Ron Hurley Theatre BOOK YOUR TICKET
Monday, 11 Nov 2019 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.	Indooroopilly Library Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, Level 4, 322 Moggill Road, Indooroopilly * inside Indooroopilly Shopping Centre BOOK YOUR TICKET
Monday, 11 Nov 2019 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.	Garden City Library Level R4 – Yellow Car Park Garden City Shopping Centre Corner Logan Road &, Kessels Rd, Upper Mount Gravatt BOOK YOUR TICKET
Thursday, 14 Nov 2019 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.	Visible Ink 5 Green Square Cl, Fortitude Valley BOOK YOUR TICKET

The Brisbane City Council provides grants annually to support and encourage talented local artists, innovators, historians, as well as organizations in their field of expertise. More than a source of funds, the help from the Council brings more opportunities for grant recipients to secure future stable projects or network with the leaders in their industry.

Grant holders, on the other hand, can contribute to the social-economic and cultural progress of Brisbane. This arrangement is a win-win situation for everyone.