A woman pins a child's drawing onto a wall where there are already other children's artworks.
LAGOON LOVE: Environmental Education Officer Christina Reid setting up the display of artworks the children created in the Civic Centre foyer.
Environment

Life of the lagoon - art meets environmental awareness

Published: 09 Feb 2024 2:15pm

During the recent school holidays a free workshop aimed at primary aged children called ‘Life of the Lagoon’, was delivered, which focused on environmental learning through fun creative activities.

Participants were taken on a guided tour of the Wollundry Lagoon, and then completed an art workshop at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery including painting and drawing artwork inspired by the Lagoon and Hayden Fowler’s Turtle Island.

To celebrate World Wetland Day the artworks were put on display last week in the Civic Centre foyer area and will remain on exhibition until 29 February.

Environmental Education Officer Christina Reid said the tour and workshop were an exciting opportunity for young people to learn all about the natural world of the Wollundry Lagoon and its significance to the community.

A wall covered in artworks of animals and plants drawn and painted by children.
CHILDREN'S ARTWORKS: The young artists were able to paint and draw their own work that focused on the animals they saw and discussed on the tour of the Wollundry Lagoon.

“The Wollundry Lagoon is an important site for the Wiradjuri community as well as many species of native wildlife,” Ms Reid said.

“We looked at who lives on both sides of the water in the lagoon – those who live above the water, like birds and possums, and who lives below, like turtles and fish.

“Participants were also introduced to the history behind each species and how changes in the natural environment have affected native critters.”

Art Gallery Programs Officer Astrid Reed described ‘Life of the Lagoon’ as a valuable way to make learning about the environment fun and engaging.

“The Art Gallery is passionate about the environment and community collaboration,” said Astrid

“Last year’s program GREEN 2023 was all about engaging with our audience in a conversation about the environment and climate change. Moving into 2024 we are dedicated to continuing this discussion with the community”.”

A display for World Wetland Day. There is a large landscape drawing surrounded by artworks of plants and animals created by children.
WETLAND DAY: To celebrate World Wetland Day the artworks were put on display last week in Civic Centre foyer area and will remain on exhibition until 29 February.

Participants of the Life of the Lagoon workshop were also able to view and discuss Hayden Fowler’s Turtle Island, a floating island on exhibition at the Wollundry Lagoon.

The young artists were able to paint and draw their own work that focused on the animals they saw and discussed on the tour, as well as collaborate on a larger project, which is now on display in the Civic Centre foyer.

“I encourage the whole community to come down to the Civic Centre and check out the wonderful art creations which showcase the amazing wildlife we have in our local area.” said Ms Reed.

For more programs and events, visit the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery’s website.

To learn more about our local biodiversity, follow Council’s Environment team Facebook page Sustainable Wagga Wagga.