Artists-in-residence program ignites creativity at kindy
From left, Brooklyn Coyle, artist Nikita Fitzpatrick (kneeling), Palmwoods Community Branch Director Audrey Lyttle, artist Ursula Doohan, Treasurer Jeshanah Erb & students Blake and Archer Erb.
Art has gone beyond simple finger-painting for the children at the Range Community Kindergarten.
The kindy kids have been given a healthy introduction to art and indigenous culture thanks to dual programs sponsored by the Palmwoods Community Branch Ltd.
A recent artists-in-residence program at the kindy saw three artists – First Nations artist Nikita Fitzpatrick, ceramicist and potter Ursula Doohan, and clothing designer and wearable artist Teddy McRitchie – visit the kindy to expose the children to different mediums.
Nikita also ran a cultural immersion program at the kindy which touched on indigenous painting, music, song and dance or movement.
The kids’ creations from both programs went on show to at an arts expo at the kindy on Wednesday, 1 December, that was open to parents, grandparents and other care givers.
Brooklyn Hollis, president of the kindy committee, said parents had been keen for their children to explore more artistically following a successful artists-in-residence program at Montville State School.
“We thought it was a great idea and that it was still appropriate for kindy kids,” she said.
The kindy successfully applied for funding of $4600 through the Heritage Bank of Palmwoods’ community sponsorship scheme to cover the artists in residence and cultural immersion sessions.
Brooklyn said the artists had done a great job. “They were all so well prepared for the kids,” she said.
The programs had definitely been worthwhile for the kids and had enriched their kindy experience, she said.
“It’s been really great. The kids have loved it.”
“There were lots of different things they got to do and make.
“Being able to be creative and express themselves and learn about indigenous art and culture was good for them.”
The $4600 received from Heritage also stretched to a new sign for the kindy.