MYRTLEFORD will soon have a new youth space, with the owners of the upcoming HQTWO looking forward to providing the region with a space for young people to discover their creative voices and set their inner artist free. HQTWO will be established as a social enterprise committed to providing the Myrtleford community, particularly teenagers and young adults, with a safe, non-judgmental space to gather, connect and create via a number of crafty and creative mediums including; painting, quilting and sewing, Macrame, map-making, writing, drawing and poetry. The previous owners of 'Alpine Fresh HQ' in Standish Street, Kellie Sheppard and Craig Thorpe while currently raising their five children, aged 13 to 21, aim to provide a platform for local young people to use their creativity and connect with others. "We have reimagined and refined the HQ concept and are now excited to be launching HQTWO," Ms Sheppard said. "There will be a small retail space incorporating books and art, with the workshop area on site, which will be open to the whole community. "The renovations are still underway, but we'll leave one wall as it is so we have an opportunity to get the kids involved and paint a mural. "HQTWO is intended to cater for 12-year-olds and up, but that doesn't mean younger children won't be welcome; only the programs are designed with older children in mind. "There will also be lots of things for adults to try. "My son and his friend will run board-game evenings, featuring 'Settlers of Catan', 'Warhammer' and 'Magic the Gathering' games." HQTWO is scheduled to open the week before the next school holidays, which commence Saturday, 5 July. For more information and to keep an eye out for further updates, visit the HQTWO Facebook page.
