Meet MAC yapang volunteer Felicity Chadwick

Published on 30 August 2024

Meet Felicity Chadwick, one of our knowledgeable and dedicated volunteers at MAC yapang. Felicity brings a wealth of experience in the textiles and fashion industry to the MAC yapang team, and is a regular on the front desk at MAC yapang and contributor to a range of Lake Macquarie Council cultural projects. 

We sat down with Felicity to find out more about her background, her interest in art and why she loves to volunteer at MAC yapang.

Tell me a bit about your background – where you’re from, your career and what your interests are?

Born and raised in Grafton, NSW I left when I was 18 to study a Fashion Teachers Certificate at East Sydney Technical College (ESTC) and Sydney Teachers College. I was a TAFE Fashion Teacher for nearly 40 years, and during that time my career saw me teaching in a range of locations and a range of courses.

In Young I taught people 'hobby' courses, while in Wagga Wagga, East Sydney and then Ultimo I taught Diploma and Higher Diploma to people training to enter the Fashion industry. Various secondments led me to writing state-wide curriculum from Certificate through to Degree level courses, when I reported to State and National accreditation authorities.

Then along came the opportunity to teach in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates. Firstly, with a TAFENSW run VET institution then later on with a UAE government Higher Education Institute. Living and working in Abu Dhabi is a story all by itself, and one which changed mine and my family's life. Definitely one of those (big) sliding door moments.

In the latter years of my working career I gained a UNSW Masters in Art and Design. Studying and researching what I'd always been interested in, gave me the opportunity to further explore and combine the disciplines of textiles, interiors, exhibitions, creative writing and art making. My study and research culminated in a digitally printed 'wearable art' piece, which came to life as a contemporary dance performed to a unique soundscape.

Understandably my main interests are fashion and textile related. Influenced by a sustainable approach I enjoy making garments from my fabric stash, reworking existing textile objects, and using Teralba Makers Place finds. I'll use patterns that I've made or modified from old commercial patterns in my library or what I find in op shops. Using the Japanese Boro technique I enjoy combining small, memorable fabric scraps to make small bags that I gift.

To scratch my teaching itch I pass on my knowledge and skills as one-on-one tuition, as well as workshops at Toronto Library, and Toronto Community Hub.

At Toronto Community Hub I'm a member of the Garden Group. Somehow things happen and I haven't been pulling out many weeds lately, but along with other members, we've been successful in gaining a $20,000 Origin Energy Grant to build a stunning new deck on the back of The Hub. The raised beds on the deck perimeter will give people with limited mobility the opportunity to garden.

Tell me about your role at MAC yapang – what does it involve?

I have a regular timeslot on alternate Thursday mornings volunteering in a front of house capacity. This involves, but isn't limited to, answering phone calls, freshening up and assisting with merchandising and stock, greeting visitors and letting them know about the current exhibitions.

Occasionally I help out with events such as the Youth Markets and exhibition openings when I help set up, direct visitors and help with the bar. Through LMCC I gained RSA competency.

MAC yapang hosting of the 2022 Archibald Prize was a highlight for me. Seeing all 50 plus finalist works in the one space, learning the stories behind the artist and their work, and then sharing this information with visitors during a guided tour was both demanding and rewarding.

Why do you volunteer at MAC yapang?

Volunteering at MAC yapang is an extension of the volunteering that I've always done in one form or another. At MAC yapang I get the chance to be in a beautiful environment, see familiar and unfamiliar artworks, and meet new people (artists, visitors, staff and other volunteers). MAC yapang helps to scratch my creative and social itches.

What do you love most about your role at MAC yapang?

Meeting and chatting with the visitors is a highlight for me, and as a recent arrival to the region (late 2019) volunteering with Lake Macquarie City Council has helped me to get to know, and feel a connection with, the local community and life (back) in Australia.

What message would you like to give visitors who have never been to MAC yapang?

For people who've never been to MAC yapang I'd let them know that it's a hidden gem. I think the carefully selected and curated exhibitions by local and international artists, combined with the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful lakeside location make it unique. It's a chosen, and sometimes surprise, destination for regular and new visitors alike.

Who is your favourite artist and why do you love them?

I appreciate artworks that tell a story and challenge, or lead, me to think or act in a way that might not have occurred to me. Laugh, cry or make me angry.

Anything else you wish to add?

This year is the third 'First Class' exhibition that I've witnessed and with each year I've been impressed and humbled by the talent and depth of work shown by the HSC students, and their take on their world. Their skills give me hope for the creative arts in Australia; and the role that art plays in education.

I'm a member of Lake Mac Arts, which keeps me informed about the many creative and cultural events in Lake Mac; plays, music, exhibition openings etc. Sometimes there's too many to choose from. Discounted prices for members are an incentive for me to attend.

We are incredibly grateful to have such passionate and knowledgeable volunteers like Felicity as part of the MAC yapang team. Thank you Felicity for your dedication, time and commitment to making MAC yapang a fantastic experience for our visitors.  

Image at top: Felicity on our cafe verandah overlooking Sculpture Park. 

Image in middle: Felicity on a guided tour of the Rauschenberg and Johns: Significant Others exhibition at MAC yapang, learning about some of the works in the exhibition from Curator David Greenhalgh.