A group of young people from Seymour were able to connect with their creative side and produce some stunning artwork as part of the Contrast Seymour Youth Art Program.
Held during the COVID lockdown, each participant received $300 worth of art supplies each as part of the 10-week program, including an acrylic paint pack, calligraphy pack and a clay model pack. The program was designed to develop their artistic, health and wellbeing strengths and skills, and connect them with their fellow peers through social media.
Participants kept connected through a private Facebook group where they were also able to chat with local Seymour artists, learn how to produce great art and discuss the benefits of art to health and wellbeing.
Participants took part in a live Q&A with Seymour underpass mural creators 90 Degrees Studio. Seymour District Art Society members also worked closely with the group throughout the program, including facilitating a live tutorial about art principles and hosting a virtual tour of an art studio.
The young people also took part in an art therapy workshop, discussed the benefits of art to mental health, and participated in a live lesson on calligraphy and pottery.
Participants said the program had been “a great stress reliever”, had “helped us to do something instead of being on screens all the time” and had “helped a lot with my wellbeing – I can put my emotions into what I make and use colours to show that”.
The artwork is on display at the Seymour Visitor Information Centre until the end of December.
The program was funded by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s Local Drug Action Team program and was delivered by Mitchell Shire Council Youth Services. The Local Drug Action Team Program supports communities to work together to prevent and minimise the harm caused by alcohol and other drugs.
