Why Children's Art Matters

Friends of Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery is a non-profit, volunteer organisation, dedicated to connecting our community with the arts. Through events and fundraising, the Friends contribute funds to expand the gallery’s permanent art collection for visitors and residents to enjoy. When you become a member of the Friends, you are connecting with people who actively support the arts on the Coffs Coast. As a member, you’ll receive invitations to free and discounted cultural events. You will also be contributing to the ongoing development of the gallery’s permanent collection for all to enjoy.Click hereto find out more.

Friends of Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery

A talk with Dr Barbara Piscitelli, respected academic, advocate and curator of children's art.

Food at the Terrace Coffs Central

The Friends of Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery are proud to present one of Australia’s most respected voices in children's art, Dr Barbara Piscitelli AM. A leading academic and advocate for the cultural education of our youth, Dr Piscitelli will discuss the value of children’s art for communities and their representation in gallery and museum collections. A renowned collector and curator of children’s art, Barbara will share why children’s perspectives matter, and how they are our future audiences and educators. Local Art Therapist Dr Emma Gentle and Arts Educator Jess Miller will also join us for a panel discussion into the importance of children’s voices in art and the role of visual arts education and arts therapy in enriching their wellbeing and future outcomes. This event is ideal for teachers, art educators, art therapists, health practitioners, psychologists, counsellors, youth workers and anyone who is interested in gaining new insights into children’s art and creative arts education.Drawing from the success of the Coffs Coast Young Archie Competition in association with the 2019 Archibald Prize exhibition now on show, we will explore child-centred practice in museums and galleries.The event will include a break for drinks and nibbles at Food at the Terrace and a tour of the exhibitions in the Culture Hub gallery space including the diverse works by our young local artists. Don’t miss this unique opportunity!Why not also join us for Dinner afterwards at Cafe Ophelia at 7pm?Just a short stroll down to City Square, Cafe Ophelia has already made its mark in the local food scene, winning over diners who come for the modern, vegetarian and vegan fare. No wonder, when it's run by a couple who have worked in some of the best kitchens around the world! A great chance to catch-up with new and old Friends and discuss all the insights we've gained together. Enjoy a range of delicious dishes for $40 per person starting at 7pm. Drinks are available to buy at the bar.  Advance bookings and payment essential as places limited. Book now <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/dinner-at-cafe-ophelia-tickets-140609892975">on eventbrite </a>More about our speakers:Dr Barbara Piscitelli was awarded an Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her service to early childhood education as a teacher, establishing programs for children in cultural institutions and as a collector and curator of children’s art. Barbara's research explores cultural policy and childhood, learning in museums and early childhood visual arts education. She established an archive of children’s art and created several exhibitions from her collection, which she donated to the State Library of Queensland. Barbara taught at Queensland University of Technology for 20 years, was former Chair of the Queensland Cultural Policy Advisory Committee and served on the Board of the Queensland Museum and the Collections Council of Australia. Dr Emma Gentle, Art Therapist, has supported health and wellbeing through art-making practice with her current focus on children and young people affected by recent disasters, those with complex trauma backgrounds and people with support requirements. She completed her PhD (USyd) on the process of art-making and its ability to enhance relationships. She also obtained her MA in Art Therapy (UWS) researching art therapy and youth incarceration and explored identity through art-making processes. She also obtained a MA in Applied Anthropology, Community and Youth Work (GU), with a dissertation on the efficacy of community arts projects in creating change. Emma’s research and practice reveals the power of art in fostering unencumbered expression, connection, stigma reduction and recovery. Jess Miller, founder and Creative Director of the Art Dept, has a Bachelor of Fine Art (Painting &amp; Drawing) from the College of Fine Arts at UNSW, a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (UNE) and a Master of Education (UNE). She is an experienced educator and has the firm belief that everyone is a creative character with a story to tell. Jess’ artist practice is perhaps a motley one, but her core business is simple; to connect people and ideas through the creative arts and has been supporting young people on the Coffs Coast in their creative endeavours.A special event by the Friends of Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery. To become a Friend, renew your membership or find out more about supporting our regional gallery, simply visit <a href="https://www.friendschrg.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">our website</a>.Your health and safety is front of mind. Physical distancing measures will be in place. It is important you only attend if you are in good health. As capacity is restricted, booking your place online in advance will ensure your entry.

Images above in order:Barbara Piscitelli points out a child’s art work in a family tour and workshop at Big Voices: Children’s Art Matters at State Library of Queensland (January 2021). Image by Joe Ruckli; Big Voices: Children’s Art Matters, State Library of Queensland.Dr Emma Gentle, Art Therapist at the current Young Archie Exhibition at Culture Hub in Coffs Central. Image by andthetreesphotography.com.Jess Miller, founder and Creative Director of the Art Dept. Image by Leah Moore.

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