Arty kids create masterpieces in one crafternoon

More than 50 young budding artists attended the Port Hedland Courthouse Gallery’s crafternoon session with children’s illustrator Sadie James on March 22.

The fun and creative workshop allowed youngsters to get creative using textas, glue and glitter to create their own postcards.

Prior to the workshop, Ms James engaged the audience in a special storytime of the children’s book she illustrated — The Whale Shark Song.

Gallery and programs co-ordinator Katie Evans said the informal art station set up in the gallery gardens was the perfect backdrop for kids to go crazy with the supplied materials.

“The kids thoroughly enjoyed the activity, and were inspired by Sadie’s book reading, with many creating underwater scenes as their illustration,” she said.

“Sadie demonstrated a few different art techniques, including collage, pattern making, and using coloured card to create a background.”

She said it was important to offer creative opportunities for Hedland children, beyond the usual pen and paper art activities.

“It helps stimulate a creative mind and provide the skills to problem solve and build capacity outside the traditional forms of learning,” Ms Evans said.

The Courthouse Gallery will be hosting another craft activity at the upcoming West End Markets on May 5, facilitated by Louise Snook.