6 August 2020

SAM is working hard to develop a range of activities and resources to engage, inform and inspire kids and families during this time of increased social isolation.

After a well-attended opening night, and successful first school group session, the interactive SAM eduLAB sessions with talented artist Nadia Hernández sadly had to close due to advice regarding COVID-19.

Rochester Secondary College teacher Meg Doller brought her students into the exhibition prior to closure and commented, “I had my year 7’s in and was truly astounded by how much they retained and all the specific things they could write and talk about. An enriching experience for so many of them.”

SAM had the pleasure of working with Nadia Hernández to create alternatives for all students to share in this opportunity, even if the physical exhibition is not available. SAM are pleased to present two virtual workshops inspired by the work and themes that informed the eduLAB sessions planned for the students in the museum.

These workshops are designed to walk students through activities with purpose, using materials they are likely to have around the house, and would be suited to both primary and secondary aged students.

“It is so important that SAM stands by our artists and community during these challenging times, and the result is that we are able to continue to bring these deep thinking creative opportunities to our students and teachers, at a time when they are likely most needed.” explains SAM Director Dr Rebecca Coates.

“We are very keen to work with our talented educators to support them and their students with any resources they might need, and I encourage them to get in touch with SAM to see how we can help.” Dr Coates says.

Workshop 1, Out Loud! Express Yourself. This workshop encourages students to think about what they are passionate about, and consider how they would like to present their ideas and views. Nadia then walks them through some creative techniques she uses in her own practice, and touches on the symbolism of how to display your message.

Workshop 2, Sculpt It. Nadia shares the idea of ‘Querencia’ (an inner sense of strength), and how it influences her work. She then leads participants in the process of considering and expressing their own Querencia with a three dimensional object, and includes techniques they can apply with limited tools and supplies.

La Trobe University Shepparton has once again sponsored the SAM eduLAB for 2020. “It was very sad to have to close the exhibition soon after opening, so we are even more delighted that Nadia has worked with SAM staff to create some wonderful virtual workshops for students of all ages.” says La Trobe University Shepparton’s Head of Campus, Elizabeth Capp.

 “The joy of creative expression is able to be shared even more widely through these activities and resource. We love that eduLAB successfully connects to formal school curriculum, and also makes these opportunities available to students who might otherwise miss out.” Ms Capp says.

Nadia Hernández’s workshops for SAM eduLAB are available to view on SAM’s online content portal SAM Hub.

https://sheppartonartmuseum.com.au/samhub

Educators or community groups that would like to use the workshops in their learning plans are encouraged to contact SAM for additional support and resources.