COFFS Harbour Neighbourhood Centre (CHNC) recently wrapped up eight weeks of fun, creativity and friendships.

As the free Creative Arts for Kids program finished for the term there were plenty of smiles.

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Children and young people ended their final session by starting a diamond art project.

“We thought that starting the children on the art project which they could and take home would encourage parents to spend time working on it together and for the child to be able to have the joy of teaching their parent a new creative skill,” Di Woods, Manager at CHNC told News Of The Area.

The young artists enjoyed a range of art activities on the program from paper-mâché to 3D art projects to painting as a collaborative group making underwater-themed murals.

They used a range of different art media, generally based on what people would already have in their home and with a focus on creative upcycling.

While the program focused on art and craft, it was designed in ways that help young people build their communication skills and foster friendships around shared activities.

“It was lovely to see those friendships build organically,” said Di.

Watching young people praise and encourage each other was a pleasure for the facilitators to see.

“Some children went from being apprehensive at the idea of getting dirty, suddenly thrusting themselves into glue made from flour and water, perhaps having more on themselves than the paper creation, and showing great enjoyment in doing so.

“Watching confidence grow in their ability and understanding that art appreciation doesn’t have to be about perfection, but the joy in creating and sometimes telling us a little more about the creator.

“Creativity is a skill that grows other learning; it fosters decision making, problem solving and inspires critical thinking.
“Developing this in a fun way with others helps to embed these skills,” she said.

The program allows the youngsters to explore different aspects of art and culture of the world around them that they may not have thought about or experienced.

“With Creative Art for Kids being so successful, we will again offer this in 2023.”

Registrations are now open for children to join the program in term 1.

The program will run each Thursday 3:30-5pm.

Di recommends children should only register if they are able to participate frequently throughout the term allowing them to connect and develop friendships.

The program is free and afternoon tea will be provided.

The program will commence Thursday 2 February 2023.

It is available for seven to fourteen-year-olds.

To book your child or young person in to the program visit www.chnc.com.au/events/ or contact Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre.

The program has been funded by the NSW Government.

By Andrea FERRARI