SAM Studios, our art extension workshop series for senior high school students, returns for Term 1 with local Yorta Yorta ceramic artist Jack Anselmi at the helm.
15 February 2023
Shepparton Art Museum’s popular after-school educational workshop series will be back for Term 1, running every Wednesday from 22 February to 29 March. This term, Yorta Yorta artist and Kaiela Arts mainstay Jack Anselmi will lead students through the series of workshops. SAM Studios offers art-focused mentoring and assists senior students in developing and gaining new practical art skills under the instruction of practising artists and experienced SAM staff.
Gabriella Calandro, SAM Engagement Manager, says of the program:
“SAM Studios builds on the school curriculum and creates a space where senior students can access materials and can continue to hone their technique and skill to enhance their abilities, allowing them to grow their folio for final assessment at the end of the year. Jack is passionate about sharing his skills and knowledge with others, and has a wonderful energy and enthusiasm about art. Students will benefit immensely from weekly face-to-face sessions under his mentorship.”
The six-week course will draw from Jack’s extensive knowledge and experience, diving into the art of clay mould-making and hand-building ceramics. Students are encouraged to explore their own artistic style and language, build their skill across artforms, enrich their own portfolios and gain industry insight to inform their future pathways. Previous participants in the SAM Studios workshops have gone on to have their works selected in SAM’s annual GV Top Arts exhibition FRESH, which showcases the talent of young artists in the region and provides their first experience in exhibiting in a significant arts institution, creating exposure and recognition.
The SAM Studios sessions are free, with registrations open to all senior students in the Goulburn Valley region who are currently studying Art, Studio Art or Visual Communication. Bookings can be made via the SAM website: https://sheppartonartmuseum.com.au/event/sam-studios-with-jack-anslemi/
SAM Studios is generously supported by the Victorian Government Department of Education and Training.
About the artist:
Jack Anselmi is a proud Yorta Yorta man from Mooroopna, Victoria. A regular participating artist at Kaiela Arts, Jack enjoys sharing his knowledge with others and learning new skills. He is highly regarded for his striking animal carvings, sculptures and ceramics. Jack has received various commissions including from Melbourne University and Goulburn Valley Grammar School. In 2016, Jack Anselmi worked with fellow artist Cynthia Hardie to create a large ceramic installation called ‘Midden’ for the Indigenous Ceramic Art Award at Shepparton Art Museum. ’Midden’ was one of five shortlisted entries and won the 2016 Award for its innovative use of the medium of ceramic. A recurring theme in his ceramics is the long-neck turtle, which is the Yorta Yorta totem. Jack breathes life into previously inanimate objects whether in wood or ceramic, his animals have an energy about them that is captivating.