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The first series of children's art workshops in the Lockyer Valley were a smashing success. With all four sessions sold out it was a wonderful two days at Laidly and Gatton, meeting new families and holding space for children's creativity. 
The two workshops, Aussie Animals and On The Farm offered children the opportunity to engage in student-led learning. 
As an artist, parent and teacher, I find it essential to create a space safe for authentic creative exploration. A space that allows students the safety to have a go and see what happens, while having the knowledge that there is support and guidance offered on an individual level. Problem solving and discovery is where the arts shines.  
I also know that initially this can be confronting for some, the idea that all is a possibility, that ulitmately there is no answer and that the individual decides what the outcome looks like. In each session, expectations for self-directed learning are clearly outlined. And they can, for some, seem simple, a provocation such as, 'we are going to create an acrylic artwork based on an animal you choose.' It seems simple, and can be just that: pick a photo and replication. It also offers the students the opportunity to mix and match different reference images, build a narrative, play with character design,  deconstruction and the list of infinite possibilities continues. 
After being introduced to available tools and art materials, students take the initiative to independently organise and engage with these resources, allowing them to explore and develop their artistic ideas.
Throughout each session, I offer technical tips and tricks to the class and the individual, depending on their needs. 
Teaching like this, I find, offers so much more to students than outcomes, and yes, again, it can be confronting, and sometimes, I admit, confusing.  For many, education can feel like it needs a lot of rigid structures, formulas and processes.  The arts is one of those subjects that offer a difference. 
Now, yes, there is a foundational technique, 100% so before someone says what about the technical stuff. That is also covered at an age-appropriate and individualised level. But the basis of classes I find the most important thing is to offer a space to play, and make mistakes while feeling supported. 


Acknowledgement:
The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Lockyer Valley Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.