We always encourage children to be creative during our sessions.  There is always painting, gluing and drawing set up for them to enjoy.  But we also know that structured art classes can give much more. That is why we are thilled to have booked our first art session with local artist Shiree Allen.

There will be two activities - one of which is Boiled Egg Paint Rolling.  This wil be about exploring painting by rolling painted eggs along a long piece of paper and enjoy mark-making on a larger scale.  We will also use toy cars and finger painting - messy but lots of fun!

There will also be a table where we will make Easter Rabbits and Chicks with paper and paint.  This explores cutting and sticking to create an object. Boxes of junk modelling will be provided for those kids who find this difficult.

The whole session is not about just creating amazing artworks but how to have fun just creating!

“As an ex-parent of the pre-school, I find it fascinating to watch how pre-school children approach drawing and painting. At an early stage children are not inhibited by whether they can do something correct or within the lines. This is what being artist is all about. Not being scared to experiment and using all senses to develop a piece of work.

This is what art play is all about, using different objects to paint with (including fingers), exploring textures and building with junk. It’s playing with the medium in order to explore colour mixing, textures and to create something out of nothing.

I have studied fine art in New Zealand and Graphic Design in UK. I currently run an under 4 year Messy Art Play session in Sydenham, volunteer at Fairlawn Primary School with Art Classes and run an Art Club for 5 year and over.”