Hayes Park's new art hub inspiring students' creative souls

And they jumped at the chance to use the creative space for the first time this year for the school's Harmony Day poster competition.

After 2020 was so tough, Hayes Park principal Michael Honeywood decided to reinject the fun back into the school and backed the Art Hub proposal.

Sharon Cheung said the Art Hub was a lifelong dream for herself and fellow art teacher Karlie Donaldson.

"Both artists in our spare time, we have always valued and nurtured creative arts within our classrooms," Mrs Cheung said.

"Combined, we are a dynamic team ready to inspire.

"We now have the opportunity to share our passions and skillsets in a unique and inspiring space where we can identify and extend gifted and talented students and nurture a love for the arts."

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A Harmony Day poster challenge was the students' first design challenge for the year.

"We provided time, resources and most importantly education to most of our K-4 classes so that they were well-equipped for success," she said.

"The keen interest within our students, who revisited and added to their designs week after week was astounding.

"They researched the kinds of things to include such as flags, different physical features, ranging disabilities, gender, Australian icons and opened up conversations of acceptance and belonging and what it truly means to be Australian.

"We had many conversations around Aboriginal people being our first nations people discussing elements of the Torres Strait Islander culture and making sure these were represented."

Some 39 students were presented an art pack filled with art supplies for them to use at home.

"Asking students to come up with their very own design can be overwhelming, but both Karlie and myself feel that art should not be simply copying a step-by-step lesson which results in 30 identical pieces," Mrs Cheung said.

"We endeavour to teach our students that art is about expression, it's an outlet, it's individual and it should capture emotion and imagination.

"We definitely have been focusing on skills and are slowly encouraging students to now start putting their personal flair into their works - this is when you notice the most pride. When an artwork is uniquely theirs.

"We strongly believe the skills of designing and inventing along with problem-solving, are the way of the future and will prepare our students for possible future careers."

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She added all were grateful for the new space where staff and students recycle and reuse materials.

"It is also where we learn from our mistakes and revisit work to make improvements and adjustments," Mrs Cheung said.

"The students see this space as a place where they can chill out. Somewhere they can express themselves whilst having a chat or quietly listen to music which links to our weekly theme..

"The 'Hayes Park Art Hub' is a place where we view and create art works, act, dance, play and appreciate music, regardless of our abilities.

"Above all, students leave uplifted and as our Harmony Day theme suggests, feel a sense of pride and belonging."

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