06 Feb 2012
In 2011 Hill End Public School once again conducted two visual arts camps in May and November.
These residential camps are held over a three day period with accommodation at Hill End Ranch. In May the camp involved larger schools from the CLC (Cudgegong Learning Community) including some high school students, therefore extending over three stages.
The November camp involved students from small schools in the Mudgee, Bathurst and Orange districts. Students attending these camps enjoyed 2 full days packed with a variety of art activities and creative tasks including - sketching in the historic village of Hill End, creative thinking tasks, observation drawing techniques, experimentation with different artistic media, working with professional artists ( learning about their work and doing follow up workshops) involved in the Artists in Residence Program sponsored by the Department of Environment and Heritage (Parks Service Division Hill End) and BRAG (Bathurst Regional Art Gallery) and evaluation sessions.
The children take home with them a framed artwork of their choice, an art bag with sketchbook and pencil along with new inspirations and skills, new friendships and many happy memories. The opportunity for children to meet new people, engage in artistic pursuits and social interaction is a huge benefit to students from small schools and isolated communities.
Visiting staff also benefit from the hands on experience, participating in all the activities with the children, thus building upon their prior knowledge and experience.