June 2, 2021
Students attending St John’s in Kingaroy will have the opportunity in November to work with one of Queensland’s most exciting contemporary artists.
Simone Eisler will conduct a series of workshops at both the Lutheran kindy and school as part of a week-long artist-in-residence program.
Ms Eisler was one of nine artists who featured in the recent “Botanica – Contemporary Art Outside” exhibition in Brisbane City Botanic Gardens.
Her work has been shown across Australia and she has exhibited internationally in cities including New York, Paris and Berlin.
St John’s principal Karyn Bjelke-Petersen said the week would provide a wonderful opportunity for students to learn from an expert.
“It will be exciting for our students to work alongside such an experienced artist,” Ms Bjelke-Petersen said.
“There are some incredibly creative students who attend our school and I know they’ll find Ms Eisler’s work with natural materials inspirational. I can’t wait to see what they produce.”
St John’s Lutheran Kindergarten service leader Jenny Christensen said teaching about the creative process had long been a focus for the kindy.
“We’ve enjoyed a fruitful relationship with the Jumping Ants Art collective for a number of years now and this intensive week with Simone will be an opportunity to further explore the way artists work.”
Ms Eisler is originally from Brisbane but recently moved to Kin Kin.
She said she was looking forward to visiting Kingaroy and exploring the South Burnett.
“After a reasonably quiet 2020, this year has been busy with a variety of interesting exhibitions and workshops,” Ms Eisler said.
“Spending time in Kingaroy with kindy and primary school students will be a refreshing way to wrap up the year.
“I really enjoy making art with children, they find possibilities in everything and they’re so uninhibited in the way they work.”
The workshops will be funded in part by the South Burnett Regional Council’s Community Grants program.
