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Art Classes with Max WaltersLast modified: September 5, 2008 - 3:24 PM
UPPER Hunter artist Max Watters began art classes for children 40 years ago in Denman, and confesses he has lost none of his enthusiasm for sharing his passion for art with the community. That much was obvious on a wintry Friday afternoon at Scone Youth Club where a group of eager school children gathered to paint with the help of Mr Watters, who runs weekly sessions at the venue.
"I think these art sessions enhance children's self-esteem and also their concentration - they concentrate here for long periods and then that ability to concentrate is transferred through to their school work," Mr Watters said.
"Above all, they enjoy it. You can either do it or not, it is not like a classroom situation where if you don't do it they take you out and shoot you. And the kids can go at their own pace." "They surprise me all the time," he said with a smile. He said there were social benefits to group art sessions.
"The children see each other in a different light, as they share a common interest. I always find their own traits come through and I don't try to change that," he said, adding that parents often participated alongside their children. "Art has been good to me, it has enabled me to have a sense of identity and to meet a wide range of people," he said. "This part of the Hunter Valley offers a unique arts environment and it is very exciting to watch the arts scene grow from just one annual exhibition in the region to what we have now," he added. Scone Youth Club volunteer Janice St Eain said the art classes run from 3pm to 6pm each Friday were a popular element on a program at the club that sometimes attracted up to 45 children. "Sometimes it get pretty hectic with kids popping in to do their homework and socialise before Youth Club opens and then they can play pool, play station, there's a TV room and enclosed basketball court, and there are often classes such as craft, cooking and pottery," she said. "The art classes give the kids the opportunity to make a personalised present for family members," Mrs St Eain added. Phone Scone Youth Club on 6545 2203 or 0417 287 540 for more information. Contact details |
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© 2008 Upper Hunter Shire Council |
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