Vivid Sydney / Ideas - for kids and families

Vivid Sydney and Ideas kicks off at the end of the month - the festival never fails to deliver an extensive range of workshops and experiences young and older youth.

Highlights include:

{KIDS/CODE/CREATE}

An interactive project using code, light and music. 

https://www.vividsydney.com/event/ideas/kidscodecreate-1

CODE IN THE CITY

 Code in the Park is about inspiring everyone to learn the basics of coding, to acquire a new digital skill for the future of work, innovation and education. 

https://www.vividsydney.com/event/ideas/code-city

RHODES CREATIVE:

 The Sydney suburb of Rhodes opens its arms to residents and visitors with a program of masterclasses, workshops, activities and talks that focus on 3D printing, NAO robotics and wearable art and tech. Highlights includes: Robots: Human Robot Friendship Ball, NAO Robot Workshop and Meetup, Simplebot Maker LabOur Robot Future, as well as 3D Printing : The Future Is Now, CAD Design Masterclass Jewellery Making, CAD For Adults and Kids, and ; Wearable Tech and Fun with Electronics for Kids 8-12. Meet some of Sydney’s coolest robots and participate in an epic human robot dance.
https://www.vividsydney.com/event/ideas/rhodes-creative

FUTURE MAKING FOR KIDS

 Future Making is a fast-paced, hands-on session for 9-12 year olds that explores Human-Centred Design and Design Thinking. 

https://www.vividsydney.com/event/ideas/future-making-kids

CAD FOR KIDS: 3D DESIGN FOR TEENS

Using Autodesk 123D Design, participants will learn how to create and customise a game piece for a set of checkers. 

https://www.vividsydney.com/event/ideas/cad-beginners-hands-workshop-kids-10-14yo

SIMPLEBOT MAKER LAB

 Get together with your family and friends (in groups of up to four), as your are guided  through making simple bots that use common robotic mechanics.  

https://www.vividsydney.com/event/ideas/simplebot-maker-lab

MUSEUM OF APPLIED ARTS AND SCIENCE (MAAS)

The MAAS has collaborated with Vivid Sydney to present a comprehensive program of innovation and technology-based activities for the whole family.  For the full lineup of MAAS events during Vivid Ideas: https://www.vividsydney.com/event/ideas/museum-applied-arts-sciences

NICK WISHART WORKSHOP

Dive into the world of wearable electronics and learn how to add and control full colour LEDs to your wardrobe, skateboards, installations.

https://www.vividsydney.com/event/ideas/wearable-technology-workshop

Visit www.vividsydney.com for the full details on what is on offer.

ArtMoves - EOI open

Australian creatives (of all ages) now have a chance to make their mark on the Sydney landscape with ArtMoves, a new public art program that will transform Kensington and Kingsford into Sydney’s next great artistic suburbs.

ArtMoves is an upcoming public art program where five sites along the Sydney Light Rail route in Kensington and Kingsford will be transformed by local artists into cultural landmarks. Creatives can contribute in a number of ways – public art, performances, sound installations and more will be considered.

Transport for NSW invites creatives to express their interest from today until 31 March 2017. Once the judging is complete; the successful projects will be installed from June, with a chance of becoming permanent fixtures in the community.

For more info visit: http://www.mysydneycbd.nsw.gov.au/artmoves

Friday Finds

image credit: Raquel Caballero

+ My youngest son adores animals and did a vet workshop with these guys a few years ago. New programme out for 2017 AND they are also offering two scholarships.
+ My daughter would love these graphic tights. Too many choose from!
+ Our friend Lilly Blue from BIG Kids magazine will lead participants through theatre games, collaborative invention and art making in response to SCAF's immersive installation, After Voices. 
+ My daughter is my new photographer for my project Hello Bookshop (That's her pictured). It was very exciting to work with her.  We will give you a heads up when our first conversation is up.
+ If you are in Penrith this is your last chance this weekend to catch The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer. We loved  it in 2011 at the Sydney Festival.
+ We will be in Melbourne this weekend and will be popping along to Circus Oz's open house in Collingwood.

Genext - New Romance: Art and the Posthuman | Museum of Contemporary Art

My daughter (15) went to MCA's Genext evening New Romance: Art and the Posthuman  on Sunday. The event is for teens aged between 12 and 18, where they get the run of the museum. (images by Mischa)

More info 

Shapeshifters

Get  immersed in 3D printing at the Australian Design Centre over the school holidays.

Ready Aim - Take Flight

This June Kinokuniya are calling all paper pilots to take on the challenge and help fill the flight paths in their Wedge Gallery with paper plane creations. Once all paths are filled, along with Tuttle Publishing and NewSouth Books Australia they will collectively donate $1000 toThe Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

A creative school holidays

The Peasant Prince, image:  Heidrun Lohr

School holidays are upon us. We have selected some fun creative activies that will have you covered.

The Peasant Prince at Monkey Baa Theatre (until 20 April) brings the beautiful story of Li Cunxin’s iconic autobiography, Mao’s Last Dancer to the stage. If you have a child who just can not sit still throughout performances, the theatre has a special relaxed performance and is described as “the opposite of the quiet carriage on the train” on the 14th April. 

Sherman Contemporary Art Gallery – Introductory workshop to mobile photography with photographer Markus Andersen. Participants will be introduced to picture-taking and processing apps, as well as basic photographic techniques before applying this expertise “in the field” in the local Paddington area.
Saturday 23 April, 10–12pm.

$20 | Recommended for ages 12+

Pull out the paints and paper and inspire them to start working on their entry to the Little Things Art Exhibition to be exhibited at Saint Cloche Gallery in Paddington.

  

Get your musical on at the Art Gallery of NSW screening of An American in Paris (rated PG). 20 and 24th April 2016. Free.

While you are at the gallery pop in to see Art Express - Featuring a selection of outstanding student artworks developed for the artmaking component of the HSC examination in Visual Arts 2015. Free.

Got creative teens? Smart ARTS workshops and talks will be right up their alley running from the 8 – 17^th April 2016.

The Sydney Comedy Festival brings on the laughs for kids with Comedy for Kids over the 2016 festival. 

Vivid Sydney 2015 | Youth and Families

Vivid Light is always a major event on every family calendar. My stand out this year is Light Origami which invites viewers to explore the nature of reality by entering a giant 3D kaleidoscope.

This year we will also be including our children in our Vivid Sydney Ideas and Music adventures.

My daughter  (13 years) is a young creator - and I'm curious to learn more about her world. We will be heading to #NOFILTER  -  a 'conversation inspired by and showcasing the work of young creators and explore the distinct point of view youth can provide in the creative process. Young producers, animators, photographers and social media personalities will share insights into their own creative process, discuss what connects with their audiences, and offer key takeaways for anyone looking to learn from the future stars of content creation.'

She will also be attending An evening with Morrissey with her dad within Vivid Music.

My eldest son (16 years) will be into Feedback - A Music Conference for Young People - he is yet to explore the Vivid Music program.

And for younger kids - Archikids Play[ground] will be right up their alley in the Hyde Park Barracks as it transformed into an interactive playground. Not sure yet if it will be too young for my 11 year old son.

Dress Up Attack! = indie rock performances + interactive activities --- for young kids and their parents/carers.

The MCA Zine Fair covers all my kids.... the fair is a great introduction and inspiration into what they can create on their own and distribute.

So much to explore over May and June!

Creative school holidays

We are always impressed when we visit the QLD Gallery of Modern Art and its surrounds - jump off at South Brisbane and you have run of the galleries, library, museum and theatre.

The David Lynch exhibition - In Between Worlds is a great exploration for older teens. We can make a future  - Japanese Art after 1989 is perfect for all ages. Don't stop there - keep moving through the gallery to find amazing worlds for your kids to get lost in.

Back in Sydney, the Australian Centre of Photography has extensive workshops for kids that love to express their creativity through photography. Photograms, darkroom techniques, foto rally adventures, pinhole and camera craft.

The Art Gallery of NSW have events related to their The Photograph and Australia exhibition. Drop in and make retro cardboard cameras for younger children and for teens an instagram competition. Art Express also runs until the 19 April.

Art Month Sydney | Youth and Families

Last night we attended the opening evening of Art Month Sydney 2015 at the National Art School. The family program is full of architecture, photography and art experiences for your young ones. It is also wonderful to branch out the family program for older children.

Art Month Sydney - March 2015
various venues

re:make project

I am working on a new project with Vanessa Berry. We have been rescuing discarded art works from the streets in our neighbourhoods. We will matching 12 found art pieces with 12 emerging and established Sydney artists to give them a new life. The new artworks will be sold at an exhibition in early 2014 with funds raised to be used to develop an art workshop program at East Sydney High School.

You can find more about our project here: re:make and follow us on twitter and facebook.
You can also sign up to receive re:make updates and exhibition details

We will revealing our found artworks and artists very soon!

My Monster Art - Artist: Jet

Over the weekend my son was invited to an art exhibition of a friend from school.  Jet is only nine years old but already  has an extremely distinctive style.  The exhibition was held in his home and friends and family gathered to support Jets new adventure in the art world.  When Jet is not too busy playing sport or downloading music you will find him home with a pen in his hand.

To view Jets gallery of work visit http://mymonsterart.tumblr.com/archive
Any enquiries contact info@artsrocket.org

Art Month Sydney - kids and their families

Art Month Sydney is just around the corner. Great stuff on for kids, adults and families.

The Textaqueen will be hosting a kids super - Identity workshop at Sullivan and Strumpf for Art Month Sydney on the 2nd March.

Also check out the kids workshops held each Sunday during Art Month, the Art Crawl for parents with strollers and a talk at Object Gallery on the benefits of introducing art and design to kids at an early age - Tomorrows Thinkers.

Arts Month Sydney runs throughout March - for more info visit:  http://artmonthsydney.com.au

Quick Picks: Last days of Holidays

source

Last days of the holidays...Here are some quick picks to keep you busy.

• Build with artists Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan within their cardboard village on Thursday
• Children's Film night at the Nicholson Gallery on Thursday evening
• On Friday go to your local library,  get the kids their own membership card and let them get lost amongst the books.
• A Spanish family film on Saturday morning
• Catch a ferry Biennale Family Day at Cockatoo Island on Sunday

Arts Rocket Friday Finds

• La la Land colouring books featuring Australian and International artists
• Sign up camera loving  kids to the Art House Co-op Series 
• Sydney Opera House goes  Lego  
• Film festivals in Sydney with great family films - check out French Film Festival, Young at Heart and the Silent Film Festival
• Pop up Paper Zoo at Tinkerlab

Our March

• My daughter and I will be visiting Art Express at the Art Gallery of NSW
• Down the Rabbit Hole at White Rabbit Gallery is on our list
• Looking forward to The War of the Buttons at the 2012 French Film Festival
• Hopefully get to catch the documentary I am Eleven at Young at Heart Film Festival

Art Month Sydney 2012 - Family Adventures

The Contemporary Art Festival - Art Month Sydney have announced their exciting program with a selection of Art Adventures for families.

Highlights include:
Paper Cutting with Gregory and Watts | 10th March 10am  11am
Kids get creative with paper exploring textures, colour and shapes with artists Gregory and Watts.

Gallery: Chalkhorse | 8 Lacey St Surry Hills
Ages: 7 - 11 years
Cost: Free
Bookings: admin@chalkhorse.com.au
* parents are required to stay with children

Mobile Phone Photography | 24th March 10am 12pm 
Teens will get to make the most of their mobile cameras with this workshop. Inspiration will be taken from the current Trent Parke exhibition.

Gallery: Stills | 36 Gosbell St Paddington
Ages: 12 - 16 years
Cost: Free
Bookings: info@stillsgallery.com.au

For younger children Tali Gallery on the 17th March 10am will be running various workshops from Earthbeats and Boobook - making mosaic owls inspired from Dreamtime Owl stories. Older children can get an introduction to learning the didgeridoo. Arthouse gallery on the 3rd March 10am will also have a book reading of "A  song for Lorkie"

Gallery: Tali | 667 Darling St Rozelle
Cost: Free
Bookings: di@taligallery.com.au

Gallery: Arthouse | 66 McLachlan Ave Rushcutters Bay
Cost: Free
Bookings: contact@arthousegallery.com.au

For the whole family there are also a fantastic selection of exhibitions to enjoy. http://www.artmonthsydney.com.au/2012/program/exhibitions

For more information and details on all Art Month workshops visit http://www.artmonthsydney.com.au

My Art Journal Giveaway

This giveaway has ended. Thank you to everyone who entered. The winner has been notified.
Our friends at the Gallery of Modern Art in Queensland have given us a copy of the 'Drawing Life for Kids: My Art Journal' to give away.  The journal is inspired by Matisse's love of drawing and contains over 100 pages of activities.

My daughter (aged 10) uses her journal in bed before she goes to sleep. The book contains beautiful images and questions that prompt children in using their imagination and thinking outside the box of their everyday life.  The journal is great for kids who love to draw and kids who need encouragement.

The journal is also a wonderful keepsake.... I love this introduction: 'This art journal is about you. Take your time and make each drawing special. When it is finished, your journal will be full of your childhood memories. Treasure it for life!'

Our favourites in the book are "What would your family look like if you were all superheros and think of five things that are absolutely impossible.

To win your own copy in 25 words or less 'what your favourite time to draw is and why.' before 31st Jan 2012 to info@artsrocket.org . Winner will be notified by email on the 1st Feb 2012. Prize value :$19.95

The journal is available to purchase at the Gallery store or online at www.australianartbooks.com.au

GOMA - Matisse | Pip & Pop | Yayoi Kusama

Last week we were in Brisbane visiting family but we also managed to fit in a visit to the Gallery of Modern Art.

Matisse - Drawing Life
This is an  impressive exhibition that features over 300 works on paper by Henri Matisse and is the most comprehensive exhibition of Matisse's prints and drawings ever mounted.

My youngest son (aged 8) was not very keen but my daughter (aged 10) who loves to draw any moment she can get was fascinated with the simple lines and shading Matisse used to create beautiful drawings.

My son did gain interest when we entered the Drawing Room, a large scaled studio.  They both grabbed a board, art paper and pencil to sit amongst other artists to draw just like Matisse.   There are also a selection of interactive tablets available to draw upon  and email your finished artwork to family or friends.  The studio is filled with sculptures, furniture, still - life arrangements and models - plenty of
inspiration.
     

       

• This is a great introduction to Matisse  to check out before you visit - Matisse for Kids

Matisse - Drawing Life runs until the 3rd March
Cost:  Children under 12: free, Adults: $20, Family: 2 adults 2 children ( aged 13- 17) $50

Yayoi Kusama | Look Now, See Forever
We first experienced the vibrant Japanese artist  Yayoi Kusama at the MCA with her exhibition Mirrored Years in 2009. This new exhibition, Look Now, See Forever features new work by the artist that all families will love.

Giant shiny pumpkins greet us as we enter (very tempting to touch - but not allowed), blooming flower sculptures look over us as we pass by and Dots Obsession again tempts us to touch the giant balloons.


A favourite for everyone was the Obliteration room - a completely white room that encourages children to fill with multi-coloured dots.   Kids will enjoy being part of this installation and not being restrained from  touching.  We had a lot of fun finding spaces for our dots.

    

• You can see the progress of the Obliteration room here. 
• The exhibition features painting, sculpture, video and installation
• Children can take photos but not with a flash

Look Now, See Forever runs until March 11th
Cost: Free

Pip & Pop | we miss you magic land!
My daughter and I visited the Japan Foundation 2009 exhibition "Under the crystal sky" of this talented Perth-based duo and we were delighted to see that  we could experience it all again.  GOMA commissioned Pip & Pop (Nicole Andrijevic and Tanya Schultz) to create  a new sugar coated world.    'We miss you magic land!' is absolutely beautiful.

My kids loved moving from one  area to the next and discover the sugary lands and inhabitants.  Children can also lay down on a mat to take in the creations hanging from above.   At the end of the exhibition  they have the opportunity create their own virtual magic land online featuring themselves running around in  the world of of Pip & Pop.   My children are still using the interactive game at home to create new worlds.

we miss you magic land runs until the 4th March 2012.
Cost: Free

Not in Brisbane?
If you  are unable to get to Brisbane to see any of these exhibitions - families can still interact online with a selection of games for kids.   They can fill a room with dots, draw like Matisse and create their own fantasy land.

Memberships at GOMA
This season new family memberships also receive a copy of "Drawing Life for kids: My Art Journal".
More info:  http://qag.qld.gov.au/members/gallery_membership

Location:
Stanley Place, South Bank
Brisbane
http://qag.qld.gov.au/

Attention all LEGO fans - The Art of the Brick comes to Sydney

This competition has now closed. Thank you for all the wonderful entries. M. Gotto from Randwick has scored a family pass.


Just announced: WIN A FAMILY PASS TO THE ART OF THE BRICK
We have a family pass to give away to the Art of the Brick Exhibition. To enter let us know what has been your greatest Lego creation. Email info@artsrocket.org to enter.  Entries close on Friday 9th December 2011. The winner will be notified by email*.

My kids have always loved LEGO. We keep a large box of random pieces underneath our lounge room table that gets pulled out on a regular basis when they are bored and keeps their younger cousins happy on visits. It is always interesting to see what they create without the LEGO instruction guide.

If you have LEGO fans at home they will love  the Art of the Brick exhibition arriving in Sydney from December 12th. The exhibition features the amazing LEGO artwork of artist Nathan Sawaya.

"I use LEGO bricks as my medium because I enjoy seeing people's reaction to artwork created from something with which they are familiar. Everyone can relate to LEGO since it is a toy that many children have at home and one that adults have a sentimental attachment to." Nathan Sawaya

The exhibition  will also include a LEGO building area where a block time of 45 minutes can be prebooked.

Expect lots of inspiration for future LEGO making sessions!

Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/artofthebrick
Where: Sydney Town Hall
Dates: 12 December 2011 until 5th February 2012

LEGO resources
Design your own LEGO - This service finishes up in January 2012.
http://designbyme.lego.com/en-us/Default.aspx
Lego
http://www.lego.com

*The competition is judged on creativity and originality. Prize value is $50.