Discover creative inspiration in First Nations knowledge, art and culture at the NGV. This full-day program includes a hands-on workshop exploring seasonal cycles, cultural storytelling and painting with natural ochres, led by Wadawurrung woman and multidisciplinary visual artist, Dr Deanne Gilson.
Start the day with NGV educators in the gallery, looking closely at historical and contemporary works of art by First Nations artists, and discussing different ways artists use colour, texture and materials to share stories of Country. We will also consider how art can reflect unique cultural knowledge of time, the seasons, and the environment.
An afternoon workshop with Dr Deanne Gilson will introduce Eel Season, a time of abundance, movement and connection to waterways. Guided by Deanne, you will explore eel stories and seasonal knowledge while enjoying a rare opportunity to make your own work of art with natural ochres. You will explore the unique material qualities of natural ochre by mixing, applying and layering colour, and experimenting with texture, mark‑making and gesture, to create a layered artwork with rich narrative imagery. We will also discuss the respectful use of culturally significant art practices.
About NGV Creativity Club
NGV Creativity Club is a series of targeted masterclasses for high achieving students in Years 4–10. Offered during school holidays at the NGV the programs will be led by industry professionals including visual artists, writers and designers. These targeted programs will give students access to opportunities to develop technical skills and extend their creative talents beyond the classroom.
NGV Creativity Club is funded by the Department of Education as part of the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series. The masterclasses are offered exclusively to Victorian Government School students who are achieving at least one year above their expected level in the relevant subject area.
Dr Deanne Gilson is a Wadawurrung woman of Aboriginal and Australian/English descent with an art practice spanning nearly forty years. After spending her early childhood in Melbourne, Gilson relocated to her ancestral Country around Ballarat at seven years old, where she nurtured a deep appreciation for Indigenous plants, trees and flowers, many of which feature prominently in her work today. Gilson recently completed a PhD at Deakin University, looking at the objectification of Aboriginal women by the male colonial gaze. She has exhibited extensively around Australia.
Information for parents and guardians
- Once booked, a parent or guardian will be required to complete an additional registration form. This form will be sent by email.
- NGV Creativity Club programs are supervised by NGV Learn staff so parents are not required to attend the session, unless acting as a companion with a valid government issued Companion Card.
- Please ensure students bring a packed lunch, snacks, and water bottle.
- Parents and carers may be eligible to receive assistance with transport costs if they will be travelling from outside the Metropolitan Melbourne train network..
