When art meets learning

STUDENTS from Geelong will have their nature inspired artworks displayed during a week-long exhibition at the National Wool Museum this March.

The City of Greater Geelong-led Alphabet Bird Project has been designed to both educate and showcase the region’s talented Grade 4 pupils by highlighting 26 threatened waterway and wetland birds in the area.

The initiative is an integral part of the second Geelong Nature Forum, which is slated to begin on March 28 and conclude on April 3.

Next year’s forum, which will align with the theme “Where The Rivers Run”, is set to spotlight the region’s natural wonders through a curated series of nature-based activities, presentations and displays.

Geelong scientist and artist Dr Mary-Jane Walker, who designed the Alphabet Bird Project’s educational material, said it was a terrific initiative.

“Using art as the activity is really engaging for children and their families and is a way of connecting with the birds in a meaningful way,” Dr Walker said.

“Importantly it focuses on making people think about what can be done to retain the biodiversity of this area and recognise the wonder of these beautiful birds on our doorstep.

“We hear so much about the changing environment, which can often be overwhelming, but this project will help bring the bigger issues down to the local level.”

Dr Walker will also be the artist in residence at the National Wool Museum from February 2020, with her exhibition Now You See Us exploring the greater Geelong region’s 84 threatened bird species through sculptures.

The Alphabet Bird Project is supported by the Geelong Field Naturalists Club and the City of Greater Geelong.

About 1,100 students from more than 20 schools have confirmed their involvement in the project.

Once the exhibition closes, each school will receive their submitted artworks and receive a bird-attracting tree to plant in commemoration of their participation.