Art for Today
Art For Today, Gemma Donnellan
Give yourself permission to step into an afternoon that is entirely yours, to connect and listen to your inner voice.
Gemma Donnellan is a professional artist, creative coach and connector, and the founder of Art For Today. With more than 25 years in Melbourne’s art scene, she creates intimate experiences from her beautiful Balwyn North home that gently settle the nervous system, awaken creativity and foster genuine connection amongst women.
She offers two signature experiences, The Creative Table and Reciprocity Amongst Women.
The Creative Table
The Creative Table is a mini retreat, an afternoon to exhale and release the working week. If you have been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply craving some pure joy in your life, this is for you.
Five women gather in a sanctuary surrounded by artworks, inspiration and creative energy, set in a sun-filled room overlooking an idyllic garden, with flowers, vignettes and a table full of paint and colour.
We begin each session with intention-setting and grounding meditation. From there, art becomes the vehicle to quiet the noise, open your mind and let inspiration move through. Around the table we discuss interesting topics, well-being, feminine wisdom, books, food, music, mystic traditions, AI, Reciprocity, birds, quantum. Most topics are welcome, maybe except politics.
Together we process the week, let go of what no longer serves us and create space for new insights and possibilities. It is a perfect lead into the weekend, where creativity, play and reciprocity weave together in the most nurturing environment.
On Friday afternoons a Wisdom Keeper joins the table, a special guest with something meaningful to share. Authors, artists, mentors and women with depth and a story worth hearing, their presence adds richness to the afternoon that is hard to put into words.
Everyone leaves uplifted, lighter and expanded with little insights to take home.
As one guest shared, “Time with wise beautiful souls in a beautiful light filled home, playing with paints with complete freedom. Thank you for holding a supportive space for all of us.”
And another, “Creative Table feels like being invited into a sun-drenched exhale. There was no right or wrong, only curiosity, connection and delight. A beautiful reminder that art, sisterhood, nourishment and joy belong together.”
No experience necessary and no judgement. You just bring yourself.
Reciprocity Amongst Women
Reciprocity is consciously embodied, creating the lives we want to lead with gratitude, love, joy and creativity. A life that excites and lights us up.
Three times a year Gemma opens her Balwyn North home for an intentionally curated afternoon she calls High Bohemia. For over 30 years she has gathered around tables with artists, architects, designers, healers, musicians and the deeply curious, people who challenge conventional thinking, envelop themselves in culture and take life on. Reciprocity is the continuation of that tradition, now open to conscious women who are ready to connect, grow and thrive together.
Each gathering includes inspiring guest speakers, a curated artwork exhibition, nourishing food, healthy tonics and elixirs, essential oils and great music. The conversations are dynamic, the connections are genuine and the energy that rises when like minded women gather stays with you long after you leave.
When we show up and share our wisdom, knowledge and truths, we create communities and positive collaborations with integrity, heart and expansion. Free from judgement, free from fear, free from keeping score.
Ten percent of every Reciprocity ticket goes to Imagine Re-Evolution, a hands-on charity working with young people in Melbourne’s north east, breaking cycles of poverty through creativity, sustainability and community. This is Reciprocity in action.
As one guest reflected, “I was left feeling inspired and invigorated, being around like minded women who are interested in expanding beyond their existing mindsets. The space is intimate and friendly with Gemma a warm and engaging host.”
Both offerings are held in the heart of the Boroondara community, created with care, held with warmth and open to women who are ready for something that genuinely nourishes them.