Tucked away behind the Yarraville Library in leafy Wembley Street is a lovely little garden alcove that plays host to what the Yarraville Library likes to call a monthly ‘Bad Art Night’. It’s an opportunity for locals, bookworms, and budding Picassos alike to showcase their artistic talents … or lack thereof. To tell the truth, the artwork was pretty darn good, and the evening is more an opportunity to meet new people and listen to some live music rather than have a masterpiece hung in the Louvre.
Pencils, paper, and encouragement (along with tea, coffee, and bikkies) were left in the more than capable hands of the wonderful Yarraville Library staff, whilst the evening’s music was provided by the Inner West Symphony Orchestra’s saxophone quartet.
So, a pleasant Tuesday evening back on 12 January saw a dedicated group of budding artists (all with coloured pencils poised and ready to create modern art masterpieces) ‘draw’ inspiration from the mellow tones of four saxophones swooning, jiving, and bopping into the night. We even got applause over the fence from enthusiastic locals.
There’s another live performance coming up very soon, featuring both a string quartet and a saxophone quartet from the IWSO, with music ranging from classical favourites to smooth jazz. Join us on Saturday 14 February 2026, from 2:15 pm to 3:00pm, at the Footscray Library (56 Paisley St,) as part of Creative West 2026, a free, family-friendly pop-up event bringing the future of Creative West to life in Footscray. Alongside the music, you can also enjoy an author talk by Alice Pung, hands-on workshops, and live performances from Melbourne Djembe’s Firefly and the Hyde St Youth Band. Come along, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy an afternoon of great music and good company.
By Andrew Derrett
