Mixing art and ecology at All Saints
Events
During August, South Australia bursts with colour as SALA (South Australian Living Artists Festival) hits galleries and quirky venues such as cafes, restaurants, hair salons, schools and libraries across the State.
Among them is All Saints Catholic Primary School which showcases multimedia art made by students, inspired by the ’Have you seen this species’ campaign by the City of Onkaparinga.
The council-wide Ecological Linkages Study aims to identify certain species within the Onkaparinga Council area so their habitats can be cared for.
The quality of student work, of which eight pieces are on show during the SALA exhibition at Seaford Library, has been described as outstanding.
Art teacher Tiffany Okazaki is extremely proud of their efforts.
“Initially, I started with some Year 6 students, but when the Year 5 students saw what they were working on, they too wanted to be involved and helped to create these artworks,” she said.
“The artworks were created during the students’ lunch and recess times. While two students preferred to create their artworks alone, the others formed groups and collaborated. The passion the students demonstrated through debate, problem-solving and the process of deciding how to make the art pieces better was a joy to witness.”
She said art has a unique way of bringing people together, encouraging empathy and providing a common ground for students, staff, and the wider community to connect and communicate.
“Connecting arts education, ecological perspectives and a love for Jesus can create a powerful framework for holistic development,” she said.
“Valuing arts nurtures creativity and empathy, aligning with Jesus’s teachings of love and compassion. Integrating ecological perspectives fosters stewardship of God’s creation, echoing the biblical call to care for the Earth.”
Principal Nick Wright was also impressed by the creations and the message they send.
“The students created the artworks, which are absolutely amazing, and showcase their abilities as artists,” he said.
“Art has always been a key part of our curriculum at All Saints and we know that art, in various forms, can bring people together. We look forward to coming together as a community to visit the fantastic artwork the students created from the theme.”
Have you seen this species? – SALA Festival 2024 runs from August 1 to 31, Monday to Friday 9:30am-5pm and Saturday at 10am-1pm, at Seaford Library, 586 Grand Blvd, Seaford.
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