2 0 0 9 A RT S AWA R D S As part of Evelynne’s award she will attend the NAEA (National Art Education Association) Convention in Baltimore, USA later this year joining 2000 visual arts educators from around the world. This year’s theme is Visual Arts and Social Justice.
1 Community Tree: mixed media art
installation from Jicky Atkinson’s students at Bowden Brompton Community School
Education and Arts Ministers’ Awards ‘09 Two AEU members are recognised for excellent work in their field The 2009 Education and Arts Ministers’ Awards for demonstrated excellence in arts teaching and leadership were won by North Adelaide Primary School visual arts teacher Evelynne Richardson for the primary category and Bowden Brompton Community College art teacher Jicky Atkinson for the secondary category. Evelynne (left) studied teaching in NSW, moving to SA with her teacher husband in 1974. After working at a number of schools, including Thebarton Primary for more than a decade where she focussed on art teaching, Evelynne began a dream position at North Adelaide Primary School. A quarter of a century later Evelynne is as passionate about teaching visual arts to her reception through to year 7 students as when she began. “I’m a believer in using art to enhance learning, encourage self-expression and to promote wellbeing,” Evelynne says. “It has been the most fantastic teaching experience. I’m doing what I love while working in a school community that values, supports
and appreciates the Arts. My colleagues and leadership not only value the Arts as being an integral part of the curriculum, but are also very supportive of the visual arts program.” Evelynne says she likes to provide students with a varied program working with a wide range of mediums such as painting, sculpture, clay work, print making, collage, pen and ink, drawing, murals and mosaics. “I organise Artist in Residence programs each year to provide students with opportunities to work with practicing artists in a range of fields, from glass etching, puppetry and silk painting to Chinese brush stroke, jewellery and clay sculpture.” “I find students who are good at academics are often skilled in an area of the Arts. But I also find students who are not so academically motivated find success and rewards from their creative achievements. Each year I showcase students’ artist achievements by setting up a major art exhibition. I also ensure we celebrate students’ talents and learning by creating a colourful child-centred working environment. “Art is never just within four walls, it’s an integral part of our everyday lives so it’s important children develop an appreciation of the many forms that art takes.”
Just returned from the 8th Annual Hawaii International Conference, Arts and Humanities, USA, secondary school award winner, Jicky Atkinson (left), is no stranger to receiving praise in her career. She graduated from the University of South Australia with two bachelor degrees at just 21 – her Bachelor of Visual Arts receiving gold class honors. Her award recognises her teaching students at Bowden Brompton Community School encouraging them to explore art and produce high quality work, underpinned by a genuine concern for both their educational and emotional needs. Using sculpture, aerosol, skateboard, and digital art, Jicky engages students through something they immediately identify with. “I aim for the stars, inspiring creativity through arts education that empowers and expands understanding and knowledge, building self-belief and capacity in every student every day,” Jicky says. “I use my arts background to find practical ways to engage students who struggle
“Art is an essential part of the human condition and is an extension of our relationship with life and experience.”
Jicky Atkinson
with traditional methodology to develop creative teaching programs which align with the South Australian Curriculum, Standards and Accountability Framework.” Co-homegroup teacher, Jason Rowe, says Jicky’s guidance has assisted many students using art to self-investigate and consider the impact serious and often dangerous social and emotional responses and behaviours have had on their lives. “Many have emerged with improved emotional resilience and increased selfesteem,” Jason says. “The fact her art classes are highly sought after by the students is testimony the students find the curriculum relevant, engaging and stimulating.” As Jicky explains: “Art is, I believe, an essential part of the human condition and is an extension of our relationship with life and experience.” ■
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