Gypsy Art Group showcase creativity at Coffs Harbour Regional Botanic Gardens Coffs Coast Coffs Coast News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - January 20, 2021 Eco printing involves using heat and pressure to make botanical patterns. Photo: Andrew Vivian. CREATIVITY abounds on the Coffs Coast, and many artists and musicians showcase their skills at the Regional Botanic Gardens in Coffs Harbour. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Last week’s exhibition was by the Gypsy Art Group, which comprises artists whose interests include Chinese contemporary art and brushwork, eco printing, collage, watercolours, acrylics, art journals and book binding, amongst other creative pursuits. Andrew Lo conducted contemporary Chinese brushwork workshops and Kerrie Stewart led participants through eco printing in her workshops. Group member Ms Stewart showed that anyone can do eco printing, which uses heat and pressure to extract chemicals from plants to print on various media. Participants arranged leaves and flowers on paper which were pressed together and then simmered for at least an hour. Additions such as alum, bicarbonate of soda and red cabbage bring out particular colours, along with tannin, from tea, iron sulphate and copper sulphate, The Gypsy Art Group has thirty members and meets fortnightly, on Thursdays, from 9am until 2pm at the Toormina Guide Hall to share their skills and conduct demonstrations and workshops. The next meeting is on 4 February and they welcome both beginning and experienced artists. The Gypsy Art Group can be contacted on 0401044427. By Andrew VIVIAN