Art to get children in festive spirit

CHILDREN from across the Shire are being invited to take part in festive art sessions in Haddon, Dereel or Bannockburn which are focused on mindfulness.

The workshops are open to children aged four to 10 years old with all art resources supplied.

They are being run by local organisation Firefly Wellbeing which was founded by Charlotte Kelberg and Shellie Stojanobski who have backgrounds in counselling and teaching respectively.

“Myself and Shellie live in the Golden Plains Shire and are mums with two daughters each,” said Ms Kelberg.

“We started Firefly Wellbeing this year with a focus on the best interests of children and their families.”

Ms Kelberg and Ms Stojanobski formed the organisation to provide a range of holistic services in the region.

“We primarily work in four key spaces which are child and adult yoga, mindful art, counselling for children and adults, and consultation work for schools, councils, businesses and organisations,” said Ms Kelberg.

“There can be a lack of local opportunities in the Shire targeting children and families.”

The festive art workshops will focus on encouraging children to be creative and express themselves through art.

“It’s about working on those tactile sensory skills in a way that’s about enjoying it, having fun and expressing ourselves,” said Ms Kelberg.

“Art is something that is a safe space to express, experiment and children can use that imagination.

“It’s also a really great bridging activity between children and adults.”

Ms Kelberg said they are aiming to create an inclusive environment where siblings, parents and carers are welcome to stay.

“It’s about having fun and children and parents can stay if they’d like or bring their siblings along and be in a joyous space doing mindful art,” she said.

The festive art sessions will be held on Saturday 16 December and will cost $15.

The workshop in Haddon will commence at 9am, in Dereel the class will begin at 12pm and in Bannockburn it will start at 2.30pm.

To book a place email [email protected].