Nurturing artistic skills at Stangate

HELEN LAWRY

A talented young Adelaide Hills artist is sharing her love of nature and her skills in a series of popular workshops hosted by the National Trust at Stangate House.

As a child, Zinia King loved drawing and making up stories. Now a professional watercolor artist and children’s book illustrator, Zinia lives in the Adelaide Hills where she finds inspiration in the local flora and fauna.

Zinia graduated from the University of South Australia in 2015 with a Bachelor of Design — Visual Communications degree. She was one of four students nominated by the university for the Design Institute of Australia’s Graduate of the Year Awards (GOTYA), which celebrates exceptional designers in the early stages of their career.

Since then, Zinia’s artworks have been featured in major exhibitions and her own children’s books. She has completed private commissions, worked as a graphic artist, taught art classes and taken her artworks to Adelaide design markets such as Bowerbird and Gathered.

The collaboration between Zinia King and the National Trust began when the gift shop at Ayers House started stocking her greeting cards, which feature Australian flora and fauna. After learning that Zinia taught watercolour workshops, it seemed natural to invite her to deliver them at Stangate House in Aldgate, as part of a series planned by the Trust’s Experiences and Engagement team.

We sought a variety of artists willing to run intimate workshops for up to 10 people. To date we have hosted artists who work with fused glass, embroidery and nature writing, often referencing the beauty of Stangate’s garden. Participants frequently comment that being in a beautiful place and making time to do something artistic leaves them feeling replenished. With morning tea served as part of each event, perhaps drinking from fine china and eating homemade biscuits helps reinforce the feeling of being nurtured too!

Collaboration with the National Trust allows Zinia to share her talents and unique style with the community while also providing her with income, which is especially important given the difficulties posed by the uncertainties of 2020. Offering a series of workshops with the artist also means participants can choose to refine their technique by going to multiple sessions.

JOIN and spend a morning learning and creating in one of the Trust’s most inspiring places. Workshops are planned for June 17, July 8, August 19, September 30, October 21 and November 18, 2021. For more information and bookings follow us on Facebook at facebook/stangatehouseofficial; or email bookings@nationaltrustsa.org.au

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