Strelley and Warralong kids explore the power of creativity

Artists Andy Quilty and Fiona Gavino went to Nyamal Country to visit Strelley Community School, the oldest continually operational Independent Aboriginal Community School in Australia. They explored various different artforms with students at both the Strelley and Warralong campus.

Adopting a student-led approach throughout the residency, the students learnt pencil and charcoal drawing, and ink and monotype printing techniques. They also made sculptures using cane and masking tape, with the younger children making fish and other animals and the older children creating more abstract pieces. The young artists used these pieces as shadow puppets, where they played with them and the sun, creating different shadows and shapes.

At the end of the residency, the students and teachers showcased their work for parents and Elders at the Strelley campus, complete with fresh fruit presented in a pattern to create an artwork that imitated patterns the children had created at the beginning of the residency. Warralong students travelled to the Strelley campus so everyone could celebrate together.

Creative Challenge is AWESOME Arts’ core education program that embeds contemporary teaching artists in schools across the state. The residency program aims to build pride in community and explore self-expression through project management and creative learning skills.

This residency was proudly supported by Healthway and the Go for 2 & 5 message.