Kids' APT7 : In review

25 KIDS’ APT7 ON TOUR 24 KIDS’ APT7 ON TOUR GRASSLAND ART GALLERY, TAMBO Opened in 2009, the Grassland Art Gallery aims to promote art and employment in the arts in the Blackall–Tambo region by providing a work space for developing artists and crafts people. The Gallery presents an exciting calendar of exhibitions showcasing local artists, as well as introducing the community to differing art forms and media. Kids’ APT7 on Tour was the third On Tour program facilitated by the Gallery; with each offering, it is becoming increasingly popular in the community. Local children participated in the program over two days in January and enjoyed using their imaginations and inspiring each other to write stories, draw expressions and create cartoons. TYTO REGIONAL ART GALLERY, INGHAM In March 2011, a new purpose-built gallery opened as part of the TYTO Wetlands Precinct in Ingham. The wetlands name is derived from one of the local birdlife inhabitants, the Eastern grass owl ( Tyto capensis ), a medium-sized, ground- dwelling owl. The main gallery is named after the well-known Australian painter John Coburn, who was born in Ingham. The vision for the Gallery is to be a focus for cultural enrichment, education, inspiration and enjoyment that challenges the community to grow in their appreciation of the arts, as well as to showcase the cultural diversity of the area. The staff of the Gallery presented the Kids’ APT7 on Tour workshop on Monday 21 January 2013. Local art teacher Julia Cazita-Mazeaud guided the children through the activities on offer, including the Hahan and Friends activity book. Children were provided with different techniques to learn how to create their own comics. Children decorating and wearing their completed masks at the Grassland Art Gallery / Images courtesy: Grassland Art Gallery, Tambo Working through the Hahan and Friends activity book during the local artist workshop / Images courtesy: TYTO Regional Art Gallery, Ingham It is difficult for professionals in the arts industry to reach small rural towns (like Tambo), so having access to fun and creative programs like On Tour allow children in the community to have access to the arts and develop a taste for artistic pursuits. We love engaging the children with these programs and welcome opportunities like these to make the arts an everyday activity — a regular part of community life. Alison Shaw, Arts and Cultural Officer, Grassland Art Gallery, Tambo We are very grateful for the opportunity to offer such fantastic activities to our community. We have participated in two previous programs and our community is thrilled to have these programs and to have the opportunity to host more in the future. Wendy Wager, TYTO Regional Art Gallery, Ingham