Education

• Foster a strong appreciation for the visual arts within the local and regional community

• Support curriculum-linked learning through our diverse exhibition program and nationally significant collection

• Encourage access and participation in the arts by breaking down barriers and having an adaptable approach

• Encourage critical and creative thinking through hands-on activities, gallery tours, and artist-led workshops

• Promote Tamworth Regional Gallery as a dynamic cultural and educational resource

Our educational programs are aligned with the NSW Curriculum, including:

• Creative Arts (Visual Arts and Textiles and Design Stages 4–6)
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures
• Technology Mandatory (Stages 4–5)
• Visual Design and Design and Technology
• STEM and cross-curricular priorities, such as First Nation perspectives, sustainability, technology and innovation. 

Hands on Learning

These engaging, practical workshops nurture creativity while supporting syllabus content across Visual Arts, Science and Technology, and Integrated Studies. Students experiment with materials and techniques while developing their confidence in observation, expression, and interpretation.

Delivered in collaboration with CNRL Innovation Studio, this program runs for 2-3 hours, includes 2 x workshops and gallery tour.  The class is split into 2 groups to allow for smaller workshop sizes.  This program can be presented to suit different stages and be suited to your classroom learning. 

Please feel to contact the gallery if you have any questions about this program - 
 

Creative Studio Workshops (each activity about 20 - 60mins)

• Textile making (all ages) - A variety of textile workshop can be delivered. This could include eco-dyeing, loom making, or finger knitting. The lesson will discuss and view the works of textile artists including the National Textile Collection and can include focus on First Nations artists. These include Utopia Collection, Amy Hammond, Yinaar Maramali,  Sophie Honess and local artist Sybil Orr.  (Up to 15 students)
   
• Printmaking (all ages) - Using foam prints, students will design and make their own unique print. The lesson will discuss and view the works of Margaret Preston, Thea Proctor and other collection works.  (Up to 15 students)
   
• Landscape painting / mark making (all ages) - Using either paint, charcoal or drawing materials - students will create their own landscape image. The lesson can draw on the landscape style of leading artists in the Gallery collection, traditional landscapes by Hans Heysen, Sydney Long or more abstract exploration by Elizabeth Cummings, Michelle Hungerford and Charmaine Pike.  (Up to 15 students)
   
• Still life painting / mark making (all ages) - Using either paint, charcoal or drawing materials - students will create their own still-life image. The lesson can draw on the style of leading artists in the Gallery collection. Nora Heysen, Judy Cassab. (Up to 15 students)
   
• Portraiture painting / mark making  (all ages) - Using either paint, charcoal or drawing materials - students will create their own portrait either of themselves, or someone - real or imagined.  The lesson will draw on collection works including portraits by Archibald prize finalist Davd Darcy, John Salvana, Maria Larkin, Frances Hodgkins.
   
• Sculpture (all ages) - Using either wire, air dry clay or other suitable materials, student will create their own sculpture. The lesson will draw on collection works from Stephen King, Myfanwy Gullifer, Kate Campbell-Pope, Sue Grant - Ghost Nets, 
   

Innovation Studio Workshops (each activity about 20 - 60mins)

• Sphero Bridge Building (ages 8+) - Build a bridge out of paddle pop sticks, string and tape strong enough for a Sphero robot to traverse. Targets design and engineering skills. (up to 15 students)
   
• Earthquake simulator (ages 8+) - build a tower out of paddlepop sticks and play dough to withstand an earthquake on our vibrating shake table. Targets design and engineering skills. (up to 20 students)
   
• Makey Makey Electronics (ages 8+) - learn about electronics by wiring up a Makey Makey to act as a controller. Targets electronics and coding skills. (up to 20 Students)
   
• Wind Tunnel (Ages 5+) – Build Papercraft to fly in our purpose built wind tunnel. Targets design and engineering skills. (up to 20 Students)
   
• Build a Cubby House (ages 5+) – Build a cubby house out of foam bricks and conduit frame. Targets building and teamwork skills (up to 20 Students)

Secondary Textiles

The nationally significant textile collection dates back to the 1970's. It comprises excellent examples of works that document the changes in textile practice over the past 50 years. The collection includes pieces by some of Australia's most innovative and acclaimed textile artists, as well as by local craftspeople and regional artists.

Focus artists could include - Utopia Collection, Amy Hammond, Yinaar Maramali,  Sophie Honess, Sybil Orr, Joy Irvill, Maggie Hensell Brown, Sally Blake, Liz Williamson.
 

National Textile Collection

A free back of house tour, opportunity allows students to connect with textile tradition traditions first hand. Consider the links with sustainability, visual new artistic techniques, and fostering a deeper understanding of cultural narratives and contemporary practice in textile arts.