Every fortnight, a colourful range of art materials arrives at Undera Primary School thanks to the West Goulburn Mobile Arts and Craft Centre, better known as the MACC Art Van.
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The program was designed specifically for small rural schools with fewer than 100 students, bringing art materials and creative activities directly to schools.
Susan Cowan, the MACC teacher, works with students from Prep to Grade 6, with each visit offering something different.
“We use an array of materials, including clay, paint and canvas, threads and textiles, pastels, crayons, pencils and plasticine. Lots!” she said.
Students also draw inspiration from local and international artists, and are encouraged to enter their work in local shows and exhibitions.
The MACC Art Van has become something the students look forward to, with Susan receiving a warm welcome whenever she arrives at the school.
“Students greet you with happiness as you pull up into the yard at lunchtime and are willing helpers to get the materials from the van into the classroom,” she said.
For Susan, the value of art goes well beyond simply creating something to take home.
“Art is so important. It allows everyone to be their creative selves and there is no right or wrong,” she said.
The sessions can also bring other areas of learning into the classroom without students even realising it.
“It often incorporates other subject areas and students just think they are having fun, but they’re using maths and science,” Susan said.
With the MACC Art Van visiting every second week, students have the opportunity to experiment with different materials, explore their creativity and learn in a relaxed environment.
“Students are often relaxed and time goes too quickly!” Susan said.
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