General News

26 April, 2025

Creative fun unfolds at gallery

Local children took a colourful and creative break from school at the Horsham Art Gallery on Wednesday, April 16, as they took part in the gallery’s school holiday activity, ‘Rip It Up.’

By Tayyaab Masroor

Led by Horsham Town Hall public art officer Larissa Riddell and local arts tutor Michelle Watson, the hands-on workshop invited young participants to create unique landscapes using torn and cut coloured paper.

Larissa Riddell said the gallery runs art workshops for kids every school holiday and considers them vital to local youth development.

“Every school holidays, the gallery runs art workshops for kids,” Ms Riddell said.

“It’s so important because kids get to be creative and explore new ways of doing things that they may not have done in art class before, and it’s a lot of fun.”

Ms Riddell also highlighted the broader benefits of the experience beyond the artwork itself.

“Teamwork, problem solving, thinking outside the square, approaching things in new and different ways, and also working with each other,” she said.

“We get a lot of new friendships made, which is so important.

“It’s a great social activity as well.”

Horsham Town Hall public art officer Larissa Riddell and art tutor Michelle Watson are having a laugh with the participants, Audrey, Evie, Billie, Xavier and Jimmy, after the activity.

Cindy Francis with her granddaughter Sadie, 6, during the 'Rit it Up' activity at the Horsham Art Gallery.

Xaviey, 7 and Jimmy, 7, are learning from the Horsham Town Hall public art officer, Larissa Riddell.

Siblings Angus, 10 and Mahli, 12, making a marble-painted bunny at 'The Station' during Easter craft activity.

A view of the Horsham Art Gallery room during the school holiday activity.

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