Inside the post, you’ll see how the session was set up, how the group engaged with the process, and how the final piece came together as a cohesive collaborative artwork.
If you’re working with groups of children, mixed ages, or community participants, this is a simple format you can adapt in lots of different settings. It was basically a precursor to my Pattern Play Collaborative Art Framework, as we did it in a couple of sessions in one day. Now, I would add more layers and do a paint pen layer for additional detail, but I can tell you that these kids
were SO PROUD to hold this artwork up at the whole-school assembly - it still hangs in their rooms and is a couple of metres long.
This was the first project I did with a holiday care program at my local school, where two of my children were attending at the time (back in 2017).
It was exciting to return to teaching art after a break following time spent raising children, moving interstate, and adjusting to life as a full-time carer for my son with additional needs.
This project marked an important turning point for me, and it’s stayed close to my heart ever since.
