Classes Spark Creative Kids

7 January 2022

MORE than 100 youngsters were abuzz this week, creating cartoon characters and 3D sculptures during a series of cartoon drawing, animation and model making sessions.

The free classes were hosted by Inverell Shire Council and led by cartoonist Michael Wheeler of Toonworld Education, who travels Australia wide with cartoon and animation programs for young participants.

Participants were guided through a series of drawing activities to enhance their hand-eye coordination, develop motor skills and provide them with an opportunity to express themselves.

Starting the day with three consecutive cartoon drawing classes, Mr Wheeler’s advice to budding cartoonists was to toss out the eraser, avoid drawing ordinary stickmen and start exploring their limitless imagination to create their own unique heroes on paper.

The afternoon’s model making and animation classes saw youngsters craft their own 3D character, with everything from an axolotl to hybrid critters with superpowers; while the animation class brought plasticine sculpture to like where those in attendance learned about filmography and learned how to create a stop-motion film.

Inverell Shire Council’s summer holiday Youth Opportunities program continues during January, with free yoga classes; paintball for 18-24 year olds, an industrial robotics workshop for 14-24 year olds; and a screening of Space Jam: A New Legacy on 19 January in Ashford. All events are supported by the New South Wales Government.

Council continues to monitor COVID-19 protocols from the New South Wales Government and the calendar of planned events is subject to change.

Asher Wiedemann’s cartoon drawing.

Claude Hall creates a 3D model

Tilba Adams starts her own cartoon drawing

One of several Stop Motion film characters created during the animation session

For further information contact:
Fiona Adams
Inverell Shire Council | PO Box 138 | Inverell NSW 2360 | 02 6728 8288 | Fiona.Adams@inverell.nsw.gov.au