CRAFT + DESIGN CANBERRA KIDS WORKSHOPS | REGENERATE
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS | FREE ARTIST RUN WORKSHOPS | CANBERRA CENTRE
30 September - 11 October 2024 | 11am - 3pm
Craft + Design Canberra Kids Workshops, held in partnership with Canberra Centre, offer bespoke, artist-run sessions for children. These creative workshops will explore the theme of Regenerate through imagination and hands-on making, fostering skills in design thinking, problem-solving, and craft techniques. Each workshop covers a range of mediums including ceramics, construction, painting, and First Nations cultural weaving. These workshops will be conducted at the Canberra Centre, making it easy for families to participate in these enriching experiences.
Botanical Brooches | Hanna Hoyne
Monday 30 September & Wednesday 2 October
11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
Entry is Free | Bookings Essential
Suitable for children aged 6-13 years
Parents or carers must accompany their children.
In this workshop, artist Hanna Hoyne helps kids reimagine everyday materials such as recycled egg cartons and cereal boxes into precious brooches, inspired by nature. Learn how to create flowers, spirals, and botanical forms with items we often throw away. Please bring along any spare egg cartons you may have at home!
Woven Boxes | Dan Maginnity
Sunday 6 October & Monday 7 October
11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
Entry is Free | Bookings Essential
Parents or carers must accompany their children.
Artist Dan Maginnity leads this workshop where kids use brown paper shopping bags to create woven boxes. The technique is versatile, allowing participants to adapt the design into various forms and shapes. Just like Minecraft cubes, these woven boxes are both practical and creative.
Cultural Weaving | Jessica Spencer (Wiradjuri)
Saturday 5 October & Friday 11 October
11am, 12pm, 1pm
Entry is Free | Bookings Essential
Parents or carers must accompany their children.
Join Wiradjuri fibre artist Jessika Spencer to explore traditional cultural weaving techniques in a hands-on experience perfect for kids. In this workshop, participants will weave their own brightly coloured bracelets to take home, learning about the history and cultural significance of these techniques along the way.
Painting Cultural Artifacts | Jessica Spencer (Wiradjuri)
Saturday 5 October & Friday 11 October
2pm
Entry is Free | Bookings Essential
Parents or carers must accompany their children.
In this interactive workshop, kids will paint their very own boomerangs, handmade by Jessika Spencer's father, Ross Spencer. Jessika will teach participants about Aboriginal symbols and the cultural significance of these artifacts. Participants will take home their custom-painted boomerangs as keepsakes of this creative experience.
Clay Seedpods | Fran Romano
Friday 4 October & Thursday 10 October
11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
Entry is Free | Bookings Essential
Parents or carers must accompany their children.
In this hands-on workshop, ceramic artist Fran Romano guides children through creating hollow clay seed pods. Filled with real flower seeds, these pods can be placed in the garden, where they will sprout and grow over time. Participants will learn basic clay techniques while creating something that connects them to nature.
Yarn Sticks | Harry’s Clarry
Tuesday 1 October & Tuesday 8 October
11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
Entry is Free | Bookings Essential
Parents or carers must accompany their children.
Artist Clarrissa, known as Harry's Clarry, invites children to create Yarn Sticks—a sustainable craft that uses natural materials and reclaimed yarn. As they wrap and weave, participants will add feathers and other elements to their sticks, turning them into unique, personal creations.
Paper Birds | Tom Buckland
Tuesday 3 October & Wednesday 9 October
11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
Entry is Free | Bookings Essential
Parents or carers must accompany their children.
Artist Tom Buckland leads this creative workshop where kids learn to sculpt freestanding birds using recycled cardboard. These fun, simple birds have unique personalities, and participants will take home their handmade creations while learning the basics of sculpting with everyday materials.
These workshops offer a wonderful opportunity for children to engage with local artists, explore their creativity, and contribute to a brighter future. Entry is free, but bookings are essential. Click on the links above to secure your spot today!
Image credits:
2022 Design Canberra Festival | City Sessions | 5 Foot Photography
Hanna Hoyne | Green Horns Biophilia Series 2023 | Image courtesy of the artist
Dan Maginnity | Gum Box 2024 | Image courtesy of the artist
2022 Design Canberra Festival | City Sessions | 5 Foot Photography
Clay Seed Pod Animals with Fran Romano 2024 | 5 Foot Photography
Harry’s Clarry | Yarn Sticks 2024 | Image courtesy of the artist
Tom Buckland | Cardbirds 2018 | Photograph Brenton McGeachie