5 minute read
Arts at MLC
Committed to Art and Design
MLC’s Art and Design Department is one of the largest in Australia. What does that mean for students?
MLC’s Senior School students benefit from the support and experience of 13 dedicated teaching staff and four specialist technician and educational support staff. The team draws on vast educational and industry knowledge to deliver an outstanding Art and Design education. The extensive curriculum is further enhanced by 13 specialist studios and a technology studio fitted with industry-standard graphic design software and 3D printers. In Years 11 and 12, every VCE Art and Design subject is offered at MLC, alongside the globally recognised Visual Arts course in the International Baccalaureate.
Senior School Head of Art and Design, Mark Threadgold, says MLC deeply values the Arts. “The College’s commitment to Art and Design is outstanding. We have exceptional resources to support our program.” During remote learning periods, MLC supported students to continue producing high quality work, with an online system to request art materials and access technical support. “We had a COVID-safe system for students to drop off work to be fired in the kiln, or submit their designs for laser cutting,” Mark explains. The Years 7-10 curriculum includes core subjects and an impressive choice of electives. From designing homewares with laser cutters to film and television production, fashion design and ceramics and sculpture, the breadth of materials and technologies on offer is world class. “Students will analyse, interpret and evaluate a range of visual artworks. Appreciating work by First Nations Australians is another deep commitment at MLC,” Mark says. “Our Artist in Residence Program is particularly inspiring for students. By working with esteemed visual artists, they also gain industry insights.” This year, artists Tai Snaith, Kathy Temin, Jahnne Pasco-White, Ann De Bono and Kay Abude engaged with students in practical workshops in MLC’s studios and via interactive online discussions. Year 9 students participate in a three-day intensive artist workshop at MLC Marshmead. “We opened Jack’s Shed art studio there in Term 2. The beautiful environment of Marshmead influences their artmaking process.” The Art and Design team runs regular co-curricular activities, exhibitions and events throughout the year, in collaboration with the Art Prefect and other student leaders. The Art Club, Ceramics Club, Woodwork Club, Screen and Media Club, and Photography Mentoring are all popular. “The Friends of Art parent committee provides wonderful support for our events schedule. In recent years, online exhibitions via virtual ‘walk through’ technology have complemented our physical gallery-style exhibitions.”
Head of Art and Design, Mark Threadgold guiding Year 7 students through painting techniques.
MLC’s Art and Design journey
Kindle
Reggio Emilia play-based learning.
Prep to Year 6
Weekly art classes plus integrated STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Design and Mathematics) learning across the whole curriculum.
Years 7 to 10
Media, Visual Arts, Product Design and Technology (Wood Design), plus multiple electives.
Junior School Art Co-ordinator Anna Arvanitis shares the experiences on offer for students in Prep to Year 6.
How would you describe MLC’s Art and Design curriculum in Junior School?
Students will explore a variety of materials, techniques, and equipment, and respond to artwork from different cultures and times. We are fortunate to have 80 minutes of art a week, which allows students time to develop skills, self-reflect and share their success and choices with peers.
The Visiting Artist program is a unique MLC opportunity. Who did students work with this year?
Learning from practising artists helps students appreciate the process of dreaming, making, and creating. Our Junior School Parents’ Committee funds one of our visiting artists each year, which is wonderful. This year we have employed quilt maker, Sandra Dorse. Years 3 and 4 students learned about the convict Rajah Quilt and each sewed a personal square, which Sandra combined into one quilt. Students will auction the quilt for Service Learning. Our Year 5 students worked with Wurundjeri elder Murrundindi. Each student designed an artwork, inspired by Indigenous themes, which was replicated on an umbrella. Local artist and author Tai Snaith visited Year 1 and read her latest book You Might Find Yourself. An amazing conversation followed about how artists get their ideas and the process they follow to make artworks. Students made a collage taking inspiration from Tai’s technique.
What co-curricular art experiences are available in Junior School?
As well as gallery excursions across all year levels, our Year 6 Art leaders do a wonderful job teaching younger students during lunchtimes. I am always in awe seeing their commitment and growth. Students this year taught tie dye, lava lip gloss and galaxy jars.
How do MLC’s facilities enhance the program?
The art room is huge with lots of windows and natural light. Students love the art space and the ability to ‘create and make’ without having to get it right all the time. We also have a kiln and students love creating with clay.
What about art during remote learning?
The creative outlet has become even more valuable. Students always tell me they are sad when art is over, that it goes too quickly. Years 5 and 6 students learned the ‘ingredients’ of good photography in Term 3. It was a great exercise for us all to find beauty in the mundane and connect as a group.
Students learn to make a clay peacock in Year 1 ceramics with Junior School Art Co-ordinator, Anna Arvanitis.
Grace Qiu (Year 12), Still Oceans. Crochet, 150cm x 40cm.
Emily Tran (Year 12), Plastic Ceiling, 2020. Oil on canvas, 97 x 93cm.
