Young people in Lake Cargelligo got their hands on ceramic making materials with an Arts OutWest Micro Grant.
Ceramic artist Alison Wheeler received a $925 grant through the quick turn-around program to work with the Down the Track Youth Group. Lake Cargelligo is on the western side of the Arts OutWest region, in Lachlan Shire, about 7 hours west of Sydney.
Here’s how they ran their project, within the restrictions of Covid-19.
What did you do with the funds from your Arts OutWest Micro Grant?
I used the grant funds to purchase mainly clay, underglazes, excellent quality sgraffito tools and the freight costs from Melbourne to Lake Cargelligo. I used some of the clay to make a selection of pieces on the wheel: small dishes and mugs for the Down the Track Youth Group kids to decorate. I gave the underglazes to the Youth Worker so the kids could choose what colour their piece would be, and then they were able to decorate the pieces over the last 5-6 weeks.
What were the benefits gained from your Arts OutWest Micro Grant and how did it help you or others during the Covid-19 crisis?
I had planned to run some workshops with the young people, but due to various circumstances: remote learning restrictions and then the group being busy with other social enterprise projects, these have not yet occurred. I aim to donate my time for these as soon as we can organise days when we are all free.
The great thing about this pottery project though was that the kids could work by themselves decorating the pieces as I had taught them all previously, so it has been a great peaceful, contemplative activity for them all, especially during the last school holidays when nothing much else was on. They are really proud of their work.