One of the greatest joys in my role is visiting classrooms and witnessing the dynamic and engaging learning environments our teachers cultivate. Over the past fortnight, I had the privilege of visiting classrooms across both the Elphin and Penquite Campuses, seeing firsthand the incredible work being done by both students and staff. One particularly unique and inspiring experience was observing our Artist in Residence, Katie Barron, work closely with our TCE Art staff and students, an experience fostered by TCE teacher Carmel Dilger.
Katie brought a fresh and exciting perspective to these classes, guiding students through the creative process while also producing her own work on campus. Her current project, inspired by the iconic Women’s Weekly cookbook, serves as a nostalgic exploration of food, memory, and culture. As she developed her own pieces, she simultaneously challenged our students to tap into their own childhood memories and transform them into visual expressions of nostalgia.
Through her mentorship, students were encouraged to delve into personal recollections and translate them into artworks using a range of techniques and mediums. Whether working with acrylic paints, ceramics, or photography, students are developing not only their technical skills but also a deeper understanding of storytelling through art. It was truly inspiring to see the level of engagement, creativity, and personal reflection that this project fostered.
Katie’s presence in the classroom created an enriching environment where students felt supported in taking artistic risks and exploring new ideas and I look forward to seeing the final artworks that emerge from this incredible collaboration.
Witnessing this unique program in action has been a highlight and serves as an example of the varied learning experiences that exist at Scotch Oakburn College.
Ross Patterson
Principal
