SAM inspires young minds with summer art workshops

This year, the lineup featured an exciting range of activities: clay workshops, pinch-pot portraits, still life drawings, stained-glass window acetate artworks and abstract sculpture sessions.

While several workshops were facilitated by SAM staff, others were led by renowned artists such as Julia Gorman and Brendan Huntley, adding an extra layer of inspiration.

Attending two workshops, I observed how young creators were deeply engaged in their craft. Each session had its own unique energy, but in both, the atmosphere was palpable — quiet focus met the thrill of creation.

On January 15, Brendan Huntley, lead singer of Eddy Current Suppression Ring turned contemporary artist, facilitated a workshop titled Pinch Portraits.

Brendan, who primarily works with sculpture and painting, encouraged the young artists to close their eyes while shaping the clay, helping them to better connect with their creations by relying on touch.

When asked about the highlight of running such workshops, Brendan said: “Seeing what they (attendees) come up with. When they get in a zone, seeing them get creative.”

The table was generously scattered with shells, stones, moulds and various tools to help bring the imaginative ideas of budding artists to life.

It didn’t take long before the clay began to transform, and their creativity took shape.

Butterflies, octopuses and quirky heads emerged, each patiently and thoughtfully sculpted by the little artists.

Brendan and SAM staff moved around the room, offering guidance and encouragement, while parents lent a hand when needed.

Matt Dickson, whose daughter Abbie participated in the workshop, shared his thoughts on how these creative activities had nurtured her interest in art.

“She’s got an interest in art,” he said.

“This (workshop) just gives her a chance to try different types of artistic endeavours.

“This is the first time (attending SAM Summer workshops) and it’s a fantastic program, such a fantastic asset for the community.”

Trish Dunne, who brought her daughter Charlotte to the workshop, highlighted the importance of hands-on artistic experiences.

“It’s very vital to have their hands-on experience in a setting where she gets to see an artist who’s done some work to inspire her,” she said.

“I think having these things in Shepparton just really makes it.

“We are from Katandra so, you know, there are very limited things, so I just make the most of putting her into little sessions like this, where she loves art.”

Trish added that Charlotte spent a lot of time playing with clay at home but hadn’t had the opportunity to create in such a structured setting before.

“She’s never really sort of made a pot or put clay into a kiln or anything like that,” Trish said.

“So, I knew she would love it.

“It is a very worthwhile experience for her, and it keeps her inspired.”

Charlotte, deeply absorbed in shaping her pot, barely looked up from her work. When asked about her favourite part of the workshop, she said with a shy smile, “It was fun,” adding that she planned to keep her artwork for herself.

For the Pinching Pot workshop, once the creative process wraps up, SAM staff take over the post-creation phase. The clay pieces need a week to dry before they are placed in a kiln for a full day. After that, they are glazed and returned to the kiln for a second round.

In four to six weeks, the young artists will be reunited with their masterpieces, ready to proudly take them home.

While the clay creations will take weeks to be ready, the experience of shaping, moulding and bringing ideas to life leaves an immediate mark.

For young artists, SAM Summer Camp offers a supportive environment to explore their creativity and an important means of self-expression.