In 2021, I facilitated the Birds of Nowra Project at Lyrebird Preschool. Situated in East Nowra, Lyrebird Preschool is a long running community-based preschool that caters to a diverse population, including a large population of First Nations families, as well as recent migrant families from Indian and Nepalese backgrounds. The director, Sharon O’ Brien has a vision to connect children to art and nature through interacting with the natural environment and responding to it through an exploration of materials. One of the philosophies underpinning the preschool’s programs is the Reggio Emilia philosophy. It states that all children are capable artists, and all learning can stem from an exploration of ideas and materials.

A unique element in this project was the collaboration of parents and children making art together. The Shoalhaven region is home to many varieties of beautiful birds with which the children are familiar, in their backyards and on nature walks. The children chose which bird they would make and proceeded to collaborate with their parents in rolling, cutting and shaping clay. Manipulating the materials involved a development of physical skills and exploring what the clay can do. Having mum or dad helping was a perfect way to realise a goal. It was a wonderful experience to facilitate and witness a shared creative process, as parent and child relaxed and engaged in the artmaking process together. The true power of the project was the shared creative experience with a family member. Having a special person taking time out of their usual routine, making art with you, validates your own creativity. The birds of Nowra…. the final glazed and fired pieces were curated and installed by myself and Marc my assistant, in the recently refurbished playground, not as an exhibition, but to enhance the environment and be discovered through exploration and play.