New art programs you say? We’re etching to go!

Alan Baker Art Gallery have just launched their new school holiday program, with registrations now officially open! The three sessions scheduled will allow our young artists aged five to 12 years to engage with a variety of materials to open their imagination and explore their creativity.

The sessions, hosted at Alan Baker Art Gallery at $15 per child, include:

• Pastel Pandas on Tuesday 19 April, 11am-12.30pm and 1.30-3pm, where participants will create a drawing of a cute panda using black and white oil pastels;
• Colour Block Landscape on Wednesday 20 April, 11am-12.30pm and 1.30-3pm, where participants will learn how to transform one of Alan Baker’s landscapes into their very own bright colour block painting; and
• Matisse Collage on Thursday 21 April, 11am-12.30pm and 1.30-3pm, where participants will be encouraged to take inspiration from artworks by artist Henri Matisse to create a bold and colourful paper collage.

Students won’t have to put down their paint brushes when school picks up again, thanks to the next term of Art After School. The weekly program of guided workshops is designed to develop budding artists’ conceptual and practical skills. By the completion of term, participants will have produced a variety of works in drawing, painting and mixed media.

From Tuesday 26 April to Friday 1 July, Art After School will be held on:

• Tuesdays, for participants aged five to seven years, at 3.45-4.45pm;
• Wednesdays, for participants aged seven to 11 years, at 3.45-5.15pm;
• Thursdays, for participants aged seven to 11 years, at 3.45-5.15pm; and
• Fridays, for participants aged 12 to 16 years, at 3.45-5.15pm.

The Gallery have also just launched Term Two of their Public Art Program so, thankfully, the creativity will not have to stop with Camden’s young residents. This program is the perfect way for adults interested in getting artsy to meet like-minded people, learn new skills, and receive valuable insights from local artists and art teachers.

This term’s program includes:

• Pencil Drawing with Belle Mitchell, which will teach participants graphite and colour pencil techniques to create realistic drawings of botanical and wildlife subjects, on Friday 22 April, with various sessions depending on age available;
• Drawing Skills, where participants will develop the drawing skills required to improve all areas of their artistic practice, including tone, perspective and technique, will run every Thursday, from 28 April to 30 June, 10am-noon;
• Watercolour Fridays, where participants will be guided through foundational watercolour painting techniques and skills, will run every Friday, from 29 April to 1 July, 10am-noon;
• Life Drawing, where participants aged 18 years and over will have the opportunity to study the traditional art of drawing the nude figure, will run on the third Thursday of the month, 7-9.30pm; and
• Heritage Drawing, which calls history buffs and aspiring artists alike to learn techniques of architectural drawing while observing Camden’s heritage buildings, will run sporadically.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Therese Fedeli, said the programs had so many benefits.

“These sessions not only give you a chance to learn and get creative, but also to de-stress, connect with new friends and practise mindfulness,” Cr Fedeli said.

“I’m so proud Alan Baker Art Gallery is offering such a robust program for residents of all ages and abilities to enjoy.

“Whether it’s yourself or your children interested in getting creative with one or a few of the sessions on offer, make sure to secure your place.”

For more information, and to reserve a place in any of the sessions listed above, visit camden.nsw.gov.au/community/alan-baker-art-gallery-at-macaria