KIDS SHOW ARTISTIC ABILITIES

News Source: Sunshine Coast Daily, page 8, Thursday 16th December, 2004

Art, theatre keep them busy

Although the beaches beckoned many kids on the Sunshine coast yesterday, others chose instead to express their artistic flair.

Cairns-based scalpter Roland Nancarrow hosted a workshop in Caloundra to pass on his expertise to aspiring artists.

Ten-year-old Ellen Taylor has a strong interest in art and took part in the two-day workshop where she was among 12 youngsters who learned about sculping through making balsa wood “animals”.

The workshop marked the launch of Caloundra Regional Gallery’s exhibition from a Garden Some-where, which highlights Mr Narcarrow’s work over the past decade.

Meanwhile Kawana High School theatre company students took the Crocoseum centre stage performing The Rat in the Hat – a Dr Zeuss – like production that spread an environmental and conservation message. Student Pauline White said performing at Australia Zoo gave her a change to interact with a large audience and provided “awesome exposure” for the school.

Australia Zoo entertainment coordinator Ben Powney said it was a fantastic opportunity for the students because you never knew who was in the international audience. Zoo patrons can enjoy similar performances by Beerwah and Maroochydore High School Students over the next week.