Memories of Lohse and Woods streets

Heather Van Heerwaarden. Picture: Damjan Janevski

The artist in residence at Woods Street Arts Space in Laverton is collecting stories and photos of two local streets.

Artist Heather Van Heerwaarden (pictured) is undertaking the project, titled Memory Mapping – Lohse and Woods Streets, Laverton.

She is holding free sessions at the arts space at 44 Woods Street from 4-7pm on Fridays until April 1.

People are invited to drop in and share their stories, photographs, newspaper cuttings and memories of life in Woods and Lohse streets.

“What we’re trying to do is get a sense of what that precinct around Woods Street Arts Space was like when it was a bit more of a vibrant shopping area,” Ms Van Heerwaarden said.

“The aim is to engage with local residents, local community and people who have lived there in the past and ask them to bring in stories of, perhaps, local characters who used to be part of the area or what the shops were like, if there were specific shops they used to go to, to get a sense of what the vibe was like in the past but also to [engage with] people who use the area now.”

Some people may be asked if they would like to tell their stories on film.

At the end of the residency, information and items will be used in a multimedia exhibition as part of the National Trust Heritage Festival in May.