Over the past three weeks, Bogan Shire Council has provided a number of free art-based workshops designed to be available for Youth aged between 12 and 24 years.
The workshops were funded from the Office of Regional Youth’s Autumn Holiday Break grant program.
Well-known regional silversmith, Skye Bragg, ran three silver and copper workshops over three days in the first week of April, with 24 eager participants aged between 15 and 24 learning the basic principles of silversmithing including metal sawing, filing, soldering, finishing and polishing techniques. Feedback from participants was very positive, with each of them going home with finished pieces made to their unique design. Many said that they enjoyed the experience and would definitely do it again if given the opportunity.
The second round of workshops which were held in the first week of the school holidays involved leather making with local leather-maker Rachel Fanning. Rachel provided an array of materials for 17 participants aged between 12 and 16 to assemble and stain coin purses, stubby holders, coasters and hatbands. Some of the participants said they had come along to the workshops so they could make something for mum for Mother’s Day.
The last group of workshops included resin art, with the morning group making jewellery bangles and the midday and afternoon groups making Acacia wood cheeseboards. The resin art workshops were run by Jo and Jed from well-known Orange-based Lil Blue Bird Resin Art Studio and the 44 participants were able to create their very own resin masterpieces with signature resin finishes. Participants for the resin workshops ranged in age from 12 to 18.
“It was great to see so many of our Bogan Shire Youth enthusiastically participate in these art workshops and the artists said they thoroughly enjoyed working with our community and would love to come back as it was such a positive experience.” read a post on the Bogan Shire Council’s Facebook Page.
Council had resolved at its meeting in March to apply for the Office of Regional Youth’s Autumn Holiday Break program specifically to cater to Bogan Shire Youth who enjoy the more artistic activities but don’t ordinarily have access to these high quality workshops presented by local and regional artists.
Further rounds of this grants program will be made available for each school holiday period and Council will be applying for a mixture of arts, culture, sporting and recreational activities.
Source and Image Credits: Bogan Shire Council Facebook Page.

Participants of the Resin Art Workshop creating resin covered Acacia wood cheese boards, the workshop was run by Jo and Jed from well-known Orange based Lil Blue Bird Resin Art Studio.

A group of kids during the leather making workshop, run by local leather-maker Rachel Fanning.

Participants painting the leather with a brown dye.