Learning, Making and Creating at Saiki Children’s Day 2018

Learning, Making and Creating at Saiki Children’s Day 2018

Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum

11 May – 26 May 2018

Excitement is rising at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum as staff and volunteers prepare for this year's Saiki Children's Day. Hundreds of primary school aged children are booked in to engage with hands-on Japanese inspired craft activities at the Art Gallery & Museums Major Schools’ Events, Friday 11 May and Friday 18 May 2018.

This year marks the eighth year of this engaging event which has proven to be enjoyable for students and staff. Saiki Children's Day is modelled on the Japanese centuries old, Children's Day, which is a famous annual event in their calendar where children are celebrated. In recognition of this event, children are invited to the Art Gallery & Museum to take part in a diverse range of fun educational activities. This provides a glimpse into the lives of their peers in Japan. Craft activities include cotton ball sushi, pipe cleaner sumos and origami creations. Each activity represents a different city in Japan and kids are encouraged to locate and stamp areas, on a provided map, as they learn about these regions.  

The Art Gallery & Museum’s Education and Exhibitions Officer, Rebecca Lush, said “This year we are celebrating different cities and regions in Japan through our hands-on craft activities. A highlight will be our Sister City in Japan, Saiki City. At this activity station, kids will have the opportunity to create pipe cleaner sumo wrestlers to celebrate the sporting achievements of the city. We are really excited to offer this cultural opportunity”.

A selection of works on loan from members of the local community, the GRAGM Collection and artworks created by local school students will also be on display. The Art Gallery & Museum is delighted to have the works of New York artist, Howard Lewis. His Origami Folds Series manipulates paper and light to create stunning displays and will be a highlight of the show.

Saiki Children's Day is a Gladstone Saiki Sister City Advisory Committee initiative, supported by the Gladstone Regional Council.  The event is one of many annual cultural exchange programs that the region and the Art Gallery & Museum holds in conjunction with our Sister City throughout the year.

School children will be attending Saiki Children's Day between 10am and 1pm, 11 and 18 May 2018. Everyone is welcome to come within, or outside, of these times. From 11 – 26 May craft activities will be available at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum for all to enjoy.

The Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum is open 10am - 5pm, Monday to Saturday.