Engaging art program culminates with annual calendar
The Living and Learning art program has been a collaboration of artist celebration and community engagement since 2015. Led by TAFE Queensland educator June Graham, the program provides a community outreach activity that enables students to enjoy a fun, purpose-driven approach to art techniques.
June has a passion for instructional design and student engagement and said the class is an invaluable experience tailored to help students develop skills in a range of areas.
"We work with students individually to suit their interests while still broadening their skillset," June said.
With a background in visual art and communication, June ensures that students explore a range of artistic techniques and media that expand their interests and foster a genuine appreciation of artistic expression.
"One student this year liked to paint the same scene each week, and by the end of the program their progress was extraordinary!"
Offered to students with disabilities, the art and craft program provides enjoyable, social, and informative classes that enable students and their carers to attend on-campus classes each week over a ten-week period.
TAFE Queensland's Toowoomba campus featured the class of 2021’s art exhibition as a celebration of the participants' pieces throughout the year.
Access and Equity Coordinator Lizzy King said the exhibition is very rewarding for both students and teachers.
“The highlight of the program is seeing the pride and passion with which the students display their artwork,” Lizzy said.
The program is also very flexible, with teachers able to accommodate the individual needs and interests of each student.
"Even though each week covers a different topic or technique, some students prefer to focus on specific subject matter," Lizzy said.
As the year drew to a close, teachers and carers celebrated the students’ accomplishments through an annual calendar and class party.
“The annual calendar is a lovely reminder for the students to recognise their achievements,” Lizzy said.
TAFE Queensland offers a range of living and learning programs that are tailored to students' needs and interests and designed to provide engaging and essential life skills to people with a disability while supporting them to develop as artists.