STREAM 1 - 2013
The Project
This AIR Grants Program project was delivered in partnership between Balingup Primary School and Nannup District High School over an 18-week period during Terms 2 and 3, 2013. Working alongside the visual arts teacher Mrs Lois Black, artist-in-residence Helen Hulme led 72 students from Pre-Primary to Year 10 in drawing, printmaking and book making learning activities. ‘Etched in our Community: A Printmaking Experience’ enabled classroom teachers to facilitate the literacy components of the project and link them to the visual arts drawing and printmaking lessons.
“It isn’t just about the art – [the AIR project] has provided a springboard for other teaching ideas…” Teacher
Students composed poems based on the theme of ‘People and Place’ finding inspiration from discussions with local community members including bush poets, Indigenous artists and local historians. A poem by each student was then selected for illustration, compiled and published in a book.
A range of printmaking and book binding techniques were taught by the artist-in-residence and students created handmade books. Each student produced up to nine separate prints.
“When we got to sew the books with the poems and prints together, I was proud of the work I did.” Student
Students’ work was exhibited at several events, including the Telling Tales annual children’s literature festival in Balingup (13 and 14 July, 2013) and separate exhibitions at the two schools. More than 200 people who attended the annual Nannup show were able to see the AIR artworks.
“Our exhibition of student works and poetry reading evening was a fantastic success in engaging people from the local community. Children’s works were snapped up by not only parents but community members who were delighted by the quality of the works produced.” Principal, Mr Shayne Rice
The AIR project was a huge success for the two schools, their communities and the artist. The project has also left sustainable legacies at both schools. Balingup Primary has since purchased a printing press and runs after-school art sessions where students make prints and sell them at local markets. Both schools valued the contribution of Helen Hulme and other visiting community artists during the project and remain committed to further residencies across different art forms.
Reflecting on her AIR experience, artist Helen Hulme said, “Thanks to the AIR Grants Program I have had the opportunity to greatly extend the scale and ability [of] my arts teaching practice. I now have the experience and confidence to create learning programs within my arts practice (printmaking/book making, drawing/painting) over a wide age/ability level, which opens up many more employment and career opportunities.
Visit the project archive to read more about projects completed in 2013.
Balingup Primary School
Principal at the time of AiR project delivery: Mr Shayne Rice
School Tel: (08) 9764 1093
School profile available at http://www.det.wa.edu.au/schoolsonline/home.do
Nannup District High School
Principal at the time of AiR project delivery: Ms Felicity Dear
School Tel: (08) 9756 1008
School profile available at http://www.det.wa.edu.au/schoolsonline/home.do
AIR Project Coordinators: Mr Shayne Rice and Ms Lois Black
Artist: Helen Hulme-Gerrard
Tel: (08) 9764 1384 / 0498 196 700
Email: helenhulme@skymesh.com.au
Postal address: PO Box 240, Balingup WA 6253
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