In collaboration with the Ginninderry Conservation Trust, Strathnairn Arts is presenting a series of workshops for young people over the April school holidays that will focus on the connection between nature and art, and the importance art plays in conservation.

Rangers from the Trust will take participants on a morning tour of the Conservation Corridor – a very unique and special part of our shared neighbourhood – to showcase the incredible environment and what resides within it. Professional artists will then guide participants in a three-hour afternoon workshop to make a 2D or 3D artwork in response to their walk.

The program

• 9 am – 12 pm: Tour of the Corridor led by Rangers from the Ginninderry Conservation Trust

• 12 – 1 pm: Lunch break

• 1 – 4 pm: Workshop led by a professional working artist at Strathnairn Arts

Thursday 18 April, 2024

Monoprint Landscapes with Sally Black

Students will create their own unique monotype artwork inspired by the landscape around Strathnairn. Students will make sketches and take photographs during the tour as a guide to creating a monotype artwork. Monotypes are made with the application of watercolour paint and ink onto a Perspex plate, then transferred via etching press onto printmaking paper.

About the artist

Sally Black is a Canberra-based artist creating works on paper through printmaking, painting and sketching techniques. Sally works from her studio at Strathnairn Arts and teaches art workshops regularly in the Canberra region. She uses watercolour paints and inks to create one-of-a-kind monotype artworks of the local landscape.

Thursday 19 April, 2024

Clay with Gemma Brown

Students will explore slab-building techniques in clay, using templates to form ceramic cups. Inspired by the sights, textures and colours of the walk around Strathnairn, students will also look at methods of decorating clay while still wet, including impressing into the clay surface, and adding colour using clay slips.

About the artist

Gemma Brown is an artist working primarily in ceramics on unceded Ngunnawal/Ngambri land. Her dual practice spans both functional ware and experimental forms. With a focus on experimental processes using found and waste materials, Gemma seeks to interpret what she sees in the environments around her through her emerging practice.

Wednesday 24 April, 2024

Watercolour Water Beetles with John Hart

In this workshop participants will learn to use watercolours to observe and paint very small objects from life. Participants will be observing local water beetles and other natural objects, and will learn basic watercolour methods to recreate what they see in a larger-than-life painting.

About the artist

John Hart is a painter, printmaker and photographer, living and working in Canberra, Australia. John is currently a senior technical officer at the ANU School of Art and Design, and maintains an active exhibiting and teaching practice, teaching oils, watercolour, drawing and all forms of printmaking.

Friday 26 April, 2024

Bird Sculptures with Tom Buckland

Using recycled cardboard learn to sculpt a three dimensional and free standing bird. These birds are easy to make and full of character and personality. This is a great introduction to basic sculpture techniques and a wonderful way to utilise recycled materials. Workshop participants will take home their own handmade bird.

About the artist

Tom Buckland is a Canberra based artist known for his use of recycled materials and intricate bird sculptures. Tom dabbles in sculpture, performance and video and has exhibited widely nationally and internationally. Tom graduated from the ANU School of Art with honours in 2015.