There’s family fun to be had at Benalla Art Gallery this spring school holidays with a diverse program of children’s workshops.
The activities include making bear sculptures with local artist Taro Iiyama, stitching activities inspired by the Bush Diwan exhibition and free activities presented by the Village Festival.
Benalla Art Gallery director Eric Nash said the range of activities and quality of artists the local community could engage with was impressive.
“It’s wonderful for keen young artists to learn skills from an artist of Taro’s ability,” Mr Nash said.
“It’s a pleasure to host the workshops developed by the Village Festival, including the opportunity to work with nationally regarded artist Jacqui Stockdale leading up to her Benalla Art Gallery exhibition later this year.”
Bear sculptures with Taro Iiyama will be held from 1pm to 4pm on Wednesday, September 21, and is suitable for ages eight to 15.
Stitching pictures will be held from 11am to 1pm on Thursday, September 22, for ages five to 15.
Registration and payment is essential as spaces are limited and can be made by contacting the gallery.
There will also be two workshops hosted by the Village Festival.
From 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm on Monday, September 26, The Village Festival will present Found & Foraged for ages five to 20.
This workshop will guide participants to make funky jewellery from found objects or learn how to upcycle an old pair of jeans into a skirt with Fashion Queen, Angela Pollock, and local treasure hunter, Kurt Saggers.
From 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 3pm on Tuesday, September 27, the Village Festival will host Bushranger Portraits.
It is for participants aged five to 20 who will learn to paint a set of portraits from acrylic paint and create postcard-sized works with artist Jacqui Stockdale.
Both workshops presented by the Village Festival are free, with registration essential before Friday, September 23, by emailing stusuz@westnet.com.au or phoning 0448 380 649.
The workshops organised by the Village Festival are part of a larger project with a link into the Benalla Festival on Saturday, November 5.
An area within the Village Arts Precinct will be the Jumble Market — a flea market entirely run and inhabited by young people.
Here they can sell their old toys, clothes, and books — but most importantly their hand-made artwork.
In the workshops, attendees are encouraged to create artwork that they can sell at the Jumble Market, but this is not compulsory, participants are welcome to keep their artwork.
Further detail about all workshops can be found at www.benallaartgallery.com.au/learn