MARIAN JOSEPH
Arts and crafts have long since been proven to play a central role in young children’s learning and creative development.
The Queensland Gallery of Modern Art aims to encourage cultural development in young children by presenting different innovative exhibitions and projects in the gallery’s Children’s Art Centre that involve getting creative with art and craft activities.
Senior Program Officer of the Children’s Art Centre, Laura Mudge said the centre reflects the Gallery’s ongoing commitment to presenting children with engaging and interactive exhibitions so they can experience the many ways artists approach their work.
“Active participation enables children to engage their intellect in direct experience with a diverse range of contemporary ideas and cultures,” Ms Mudge said.
“The Gallery has collaborated with more than 240 artists since establishing a children and family program in 1998 and presents contemporary artist ideas in a means through which children can learn about art and its importance in the lives of people and different cultures.”
The latest exhibition in the Children’s Art Centre, The Gabori Sisters ‘Gathering by the Sea’ showcases the three sister’s original artworks and has interactive and hands on arts, crafts and electronically generated activities for young children to engage in.
Artist, Elsie Gabori said the exhibition shows the strong connection the Kaiadilt people of Bentinck Island share with the sea.
“We want the children to come in here and enjoy themselves and have a go at experiencing Aboriginal art from our childhood on Bentinck Island,” Ms Gabori said.
“We want the children to feel proud of themselves for learning about the Indigenous culture.”
The Gabori Sisters exhibition is on show in the GOMA Children’s Arts Centre until 12th February 2017.