The Art Factory
The Art Factory in Wagga Wagga is part of the national Supported Studio Network that provides a framework for visual arts studios that support the professional development of artists with disability.
The studio is a nurturing environment where each artist can be themselves and have autonomy.
The Art Factory provides artists with guidance, mentoring, networks and career paths to assist in further establishing and maintaining a contemporary arts practice. The studio is non-directive and artists are encouraged to develop their own visual language using a range of mediums and styles.
The Art Factory is always working on ways to improve the impact of making art on the environment. We adhere to the framework of Verto's Environmental Sustainability Statement.
About The Art Factory
The Team
Leanne Dyer | Program Coordinator
Leanne has many years of experience working in the not-for-profit sector, most notably in her role as Community Program’s Coordinator at the Riverina Community College. This role provided her the opportunity to work with a diverse group of people. Leanne is passionate advocate for anyone who may experience barriers to community engagement.
Nicole Hawken | Arts Worker
Nicole is a multi-disciplinary artist who has dedicated much of her working career to the disability sector. As a passionate maker, Nicole has proven strengths in painting, printmaking, and the medium of assemblage. Nicole effortlessly teases out creative strengths and visual cues from her supported artists, with a strong focus on experimentation and trying out new ideas to reach their full potential.
Angela Champ | Arts Worker
Creating from her home studio, Angela produces aesthetic ceramic pieces and functional vessels, thoughtfully, in small batches. Her journey began out of an appreciation for the fired arts from the mid-century. In awe of the forms, tactile surface treatments and evocative hues.
Working predominantly with Australian made clay bodies, Angela’s wheel thrown pieces are worked and finished by hand. Each piece is handcrafted and unique with no two items being the same – embracing the beauty of handmade.
Leigh Hewitt | Co-Studio Supervisor
Leigh is a representational artist from Melbourne working mainly in oils, with the occasional foray into digital mediums and printmaking.
Portraiture and still life are the genres he most often works in. He is concerned with capturing human individuality and character, and documenting everyday scenes and objects.
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Jackie Cooper | Arts Worker
Jackie is a photographer and runs the successful Jack of Hearts Studio, creating evocative images for people and businesses.
Linda Elliott | Co-Studio Supervisor
Linda lives and makes on the country of the great Wiradjuri people. Her arts practice is eclectic and evolving. Currently, Linda is exploring basketry using raffia, fabric, and other fibres. She also experiments with paper based works such as printmaking, stitching, and photography.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Tegan Bailey | Arts Worker
Tegan crafts evocative mixed-media paintings that resonate deeply. As an Autistic creator, her works uniquely venture into the heart of neurodiversity, utilising a unique mixed-media approach that weaves captivating narratives echoing a rich spectrum of emotions and personal journeys.
Riverina Community College
In 2016, Riverina Community College received a grant from Arts NSW to found and run The Art Factory for artists with disability. The Art Factory program, conducted in the College’s Art Studio, is a Supported Studio making use of the state of the art facilities at the College.
Riverina Community College (RCC) is a Registered Training Organisation. The College is located in Wagga Wagga and delivers a variety of nationally recognised training including skill sets and full qualifications from Certificate II to Diploma level.
The RCC operates a variety of programs designed to enhance the lives of the disadvantaged and minority groups within the greater Riverina region. Most are funded through various commonwealth or state government departments and centre around arts for those with a disability, respite for carers, inclusive community education, visiting the elderly in their home or aged care facility and youth at risk.
