Japanese cartoon drawing workshops, animal games and clay classes are all part of the kids activities being offered at Murwillumbah’s Tweed Regional Gallery these school holidays.
Tweed Regional Gallery director Susi Muddiman said kids could get involved with Animal Self, a new exhibition of self-portraits by Joanna Braithwaite where the artist is surrounded by animals in three large and interactive paintings.
‘Kids can play with dog puppets, add a kookaburra to the fence or put themselves in the picture with large cut-out chickens. These activities are free and available each day during gallery hours,’ Ms Muddiman said.
On Sunday (10 January) children can work with salt dough to create and mould special food items when artist and teacher Carleen Joy leads a free Salt Dough Supper activity in the gallery foyer. The first session will be held from 10.30am to noon DST and the second from 1pm to 2.30pm DST.
Ms Muddiman said talented illustrator and Manga buff David Lovegrove would hold a Manga Workshop on Monday 18 January for kids aged 10 to 14 years who are interested in comic book art or drawing.
‘Working with the Japanese Manga style of cartooning, kids will learn how to build a character, map out a story and environment and draw up a short comic about their adventures,’ she said.
‘Kids can come dressed up as their favourite character whether it be manga, a super hero or a character from popular culture, and the best-dressed will win a “How to Draw Manga” book. David will be dressed as Ronin, the masterless Samurai.’
The workshop will run from 10am to 2.30pm DST and costs $45.
For kids who love to work with the tactile nature of clay, Marianne Galluzo will hold a Portrait in Clay workshop on Thursday 21 January.
‘Instead of drawing, kids will be able to make a 3D portrait of a person and are invited to bring a photo or work from their memory or imagination,’ Ms Muddiman said.
‘Participants will model the head shape, add defining details and take home a bust that will air dry ready to paint or be left bare.’
The clay workshop costs $25 and will be held in two sessions. The workshop for kids aged 5-8 years will be held from 10am-noon DST, and the second session for kids aged 9 years and over will be held from 1pm to 3pm DST.
Bookings are essential for both workshops. To book, contact the gallery on 02 6670 2790.
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