A circus theme again came to the art2264 arena with music fitting of a big top preparing participants for some outlandish fun. Circus tricks and techniques were provided by the Blue Mountain’s Arcade Circus; the flamboyantly dressed Miss Tilly led participants through the various activities, including hoop work, juggling (which is a lot harder than it looks!) and dazzling circus skills. Children flocked to her, fun exuding from her head to toe pink clothing, with Afro and tutu to boot.
“The kids were great, they loved spinning plates, hooping hoops, and just having some fun.” Miss Tilly said, adding, “Circus gives room for everyone, regardless of age or ability; anyone can give it a go and have some fun,”
The youth’s enjoyment of the circus activities were summed up by Miss Tilly: “The look of surprise and sheer delight on their faces when they realise they can spin a plate.”
Art activities featured at the entrance to the facility with twomosaics now finished and ready for installation on the PCYC amenity doors. The mosaics, and upcoming mural, were designed by 16-year-old local Lillian Webb. Lillian is looking forward to starting a new TAFE course and said that designing the various artworks for the PCYC facility have helped her understand the practical aspects of the art world, and has boosted her confidence. “It’s nice to be a bit less selfish. It gives me a great feeling and a better sense of what it is like to do art professionally”.
Another art project is the large Morisset PCYC sign, which is painted so well it looks like a printed banner. The painting has come along quickly with many grown-ups lending a hand to get it done.
A break was called as Lynette Ball of Busy Baking served home-style mini sausage rolls, and mini vegetarian rolls as well as tiny cupcakes – much to the delight of one young girl who shouted “Cakes!” before rushing to grab one. Once the food was demolished, everyone once again returned to their activities.
In the Drama workshop run by the resident theatre teacher Andrew McDonell, there was a smaller group than at previous art2264s, but this allowed for more participation between those playing, which this time included some older youths.
In a game designed to test concentration and agility, the youths were instructed to “Face each other and bow” as a sign of respect. Participants have a scarf hanging out the back of their clothing and the object of the game is to get the opponent’s scarf. This led to what looked like flamenco dancing as the youths moved in patterns to avoid losing their scarf but still trying to snatch the others. There were cries of “Shake your tail feather!” as they move around the space.
One girl shook her tail feather and lost the scarf before the game even began which resulted in fits of laughter from the group. “Make a fool of yourself, you’ll love it!” Andy says teasingly to two reluctant members of the group. Once he convinces them to play, he makes it a little more serious by getting them to wear black dress hats. “It’s very serious, no smiles.” Andy jokes.
The next game is about status. “In acting if you know whether you are high or low status you will know exactly what role to play” Andy said. Participants play out a scene, where person A is high status and person B is low status. For example in a principal’s office, the principle gets the high status and the student the lower.
Andy gives them guidance along the way but mostly allows them to do what they feel fits the role; this gives the youths a chance to expand on their improvisation skills. He then gives them a script to read, which at first gives way to giggles as everyone tries to act serious. However as they got the hang of it, the more serious they became and it was evident how far their acting skills had developed.
One of the main things that has resulted through the continued attendance of participants in art2264 is the sense of community and fun. Each month new friends are made and recently made ones are reconnected. Young people and their families are building their skills and trying things they normally wouldn’t get a chance to do. Miss Tilly summed it up by saying “The locals are really great and supportive!” The effect art2264 and the Morisset PCYC has had on the local community is clear for all to see, and it will only grow from here. Another successful afternoon of workshops will be held next month, from 4pm on Friday 17th February.
“The kids were great, they loved spinning plates, hooping hoops, and just having some fun.” Miss Tilly said, adding, “Circus gives room for everyone, regardless of age or ability; anyone can give it a go and have some fun,”
The youth’s enjoyment of the circus activities were summed up by Miss Tilly: “The look of surprise and sheer delight on their faces when they realise they can spin a plate.”
Art activities featured at the entrance to the facility with twomosaics now finished and ready for installation on the PCYC amenity doors. The mosaics, and upcoming mural, were designed by 16-year-old local Lillian Webb. Lillian is looking forward to starting a new TAFE course and said that designing the various artworks for the PCYC facility have helped her understand the practical aspects of the art world, and has boosted her confidence. “It’s nice to be a bit less selfish. It gives me a great feeling and a better sense of what it is like to do art professionally”.
Another art project is the large Morisset PCYC sign, which is painted so well it looks like a printed banner. The painting has come along quickly with many grown-ups lending a hand to get it done.
A break was called as Lynette Ball of Busy Baking served home-style mini sausage rolls, and mini vegetarian rolls as well as tiny cupcakes – much to the delight of one young girl who shouted “Cakes!” before rushing to grab one. Once the food was demolished, everyone once again returned to their activities.
In the Drama workshop run by the resident theatre teacher Andrew McDonell, there was a smaller group than at previous art2264s, but this allowed for more participation between those playing, which this time included some older youths.
In a game designed to test concentration and agility, the youths were instructed to “Face each other and bow” as a sign of respect. Participants have a scarf hanging out the back of their clothing and the object of the game is to get the opponent’s scarf. This led to what looked like flamenco dancing as the youths moved in patterns to avoid losing their scarf but still trying to snatch the others. There were cries of “Shake your tail feather!” as they move around the space.
One girl shook her tail feather and lost the scarf before the game even began which resulted in fits of laughter from the group. “Make a fool of yourself, you’ll love it!” Andy says teasingly to two reluctant members of the group. Once he convinces them to play, he makes it a little more serious by getting them to wear black dress hats. “It’s very serious, no smiles.” Andy jokes.
The next game is about status. “In acting if you know whether you are high or low status you will know exactly what role to play” Andy said. Participants play out a scene, where person A is high status and person B is low status. For example in a principal’s office, the principle gets the high status and the student the lower.
Andy gives them guidance along the way but mostly allows them to do what they feel fits the role; this gives the youths a chance to expand on their improvisation skills. He then gives them a script to read, which at first gives way to giggles as everyone tries to act serious. However as they got the hang of it, the more serious they became and it was evident how far their acting skills had developed.
One of the main things that has resulted through the continued attendance of participants in art2264 is the sense of community and fun. Each month new friends are made and recently made ones are reconnected. Young people and their families are building their skills and trying things they normally wouldn’t get a chance to do. Miss Tilly summed it up by saying “The locals are really great and supportive!” The effect art2264 and the Morisset PCYC has had on the local community is clear for all to see, and it will only grow from here. Another successful afternoon of workshops will be held next month, from 4pm on Friday 17th February.
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