Young art student Beth Henry from Canowindra, enjoying the Art Mentoring Program.
“Every child is born an artist, just some grow out of it,” said Sue Hodge, Art Mentor. Through the Canowindra Arts Inc locally run Art Mentoring program, students between the age of 9 and 17 are nurtured and taught how to develop their art skills.
Sue Hodge has been running the program for four years and teaches the students all mediums and styles of fine art. From paint pouring to traditional landscape painting, perspective sketches to portraits in oil and crayon, students enjoy a wide range of art experiences.
The program is funded by a grant from the Sally Foundation, a philanthropic organisation that invests in youth projects in the Orange region. “It’s been so freeing,” Sue said.
“To be able to teach regularly without wondering constantly where the money is coming from is great,” continued Sue. The program, designed and implemented by Sue, is free for all participants.
This year has been a challenge due to Covid-19 restrictions. The program was reduced to 9 lessons over a single term with each student having their own work station and equipment.
Also the Grand Exhibition Opening is not possible due to the space that would have been needed for all the students and families to gather.
Art student Georgie Statham enjoying her lesson.
“The highlight each year usually has been the Exhibition Opening and the students showing off their work, but there is still going to be an Exhibition in 2020,” Sue insists. Sue invites everyone and anyone to come along during the weekend of the 19th and 20th of September to view the students works.
There will also be an opportunity for people to write encouraging comments to the students that will be handed to each student at the end of the weekend.
“It’s a lot of work for one weekend, but it’s worth it, it’s important for the students to realise their work is worth framing and putting on a wall. It can make a difference to that student continuing in their love of art or not,” said Sue.
“Art is such a valuable and healthy pastime for anyone. In this era of mental health challenges for our young people it’s a great option for them to get a pencil and paper out and just start sketching. More people should try it, and you don’t need to be good at it,” continued Sue.
“I know I’m a saner person when I’m being creative,” concluded Sue.
Sue would like to invite everyone to come to the exhibition and support the young people of the area. One weekend only this Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th of September.