Caroline Ellis (alias PAX) Professional website
Swan Hill Brethren College
In 2017 I was employed by the school to teach the Art and Music Program to students from grade 3 to year 10. Picture right is the backdrop created by the grade 3 to 6's to accompany their performance of "Octopus's Garden".
In 2018 I was employed by the school to direct a school production. The school performed "Alice in Wonderland: The Musical".
Quambatook Group School Art Classes 2016/2017
In 2016 I was engaged by the school to carry out art classes in all mediums of the visual arts. The students experimented and learn techniques in clay, chalk pastels, acrylics, water colours and graphite pencil.
In 2017 I will continue with visual arts and also add music, drama and dance to round off a full Arts program.
Term One:
Over view of Unit
Students will research masks used by different cultures, they will find out what these masks were/are used for; for example ceremony, rituals, entertainment or something else. Students will explore how visual conventions such as elements of line, shape, colour, tone, texture have been used. They will also explore the different musical instruments and beats/rhythm and or dance/drama that accompany the ceremony etc., in this way they will explore art principles of emphasis, movement, rhythm, space, repetition, balance and contrast. They will create their own masks and music and perhaps dance/drama to accompany their masks to create a performance. Focus visual art 3D creation of mask, focus instrument percussion.
Each visual arts lesson and music lesson will include warm up and cool down activities that will focus on individual arts elements.
In visual arts this will include continuing the exploration of different mediums to make marks and to express ideas.
In music this will include listening to different types of music that students know and don’t know, learning about beats and rhythm and using voice and instruments to make and compose music, this will assist students to “learn to value and appreciate the power of music to transform the heart, soul, mind and spirit of the individual. In this way students will develop an aesthetic appreciation and enjoyment of music” (Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority).
Looking ahead
Term 2: Emotions. Viewing and responding to art works, music, (dance and drama); what emotions are stirred and how. Making their own art, music, (dance and drama) with the intent to evoke emotion. Focus visual arts 2D drawing and painting, focus instrument ukulele.
Term 3. Nature. Viewing and responding to the natural environment, also viewing and responding to art works, music, (dance and drama) that are inspired by nature, including indigenous connections. Making their own art, music, (dance and drama) as a response to their natural environment. Focus visual arts photography, 2D drawing and painting, focus instrument sounds of nature.
Community Mural Projects - 2011/2012
Murrabit and Benjeroop
The Murrabit Promotions Committee attracted a $5,000 grant through the Victorian Flood Recovery Fund to produce two community murals to be displayed at Murrabit and the other at Benjeroop. Both murals were also promoted with exhibitions on completion showing the workings behind the mural.
The common theme for each mural was the 2011 floods with participants encouraged to record their personal story of the floods. Changing landscapes, positive community aspects such as community support and connections between families and friends and the wider community, as well as community features has enabled this to be achieved.
The Benjeroop community decided that the theme of their mural would depict the meaning of Benjeroop – “meeting of the waters” and would show how the Loddon, Little Murray and big Murray all merge together at Benjeroop.
The community was invited to help plan and paint the mural with my guidance.
Mural installation with Murrabit school. Each child completed a 30 x 30cm panel (30 in total) which will be put together and place on the Lions Park Fence opposite Murrabit Country Market. The theme is what is it that makes living in Murrabit special.
Many art techniques were taught, planning, making drafts and reflecting also took place.
Artist in Residence 2008: Lake Charm Primary School
The teaching of art techniques in response to the natural environment, funded Arts Victoria (one day per week, for 20 weeks)
Students learnt photography, sketching, pastel and painting skills. The end result was the Murals and an exhibition of their work.
Many of the students finished drawings were also included in the Murray-Darling Basin special forever project.
Third term 2007 & fourth term 2006: Tooleybuc P12 School
Artist in residence teaching techniques of drawing, painting and pottery
3 Murals Moulamein Public School 2009
4 Days! Each 2.5mt x 1.5mt
All background painted by students overseen by Caroline, small animals added by students.
54 students left there mark!
2007- On-going Kids Club at the Swan Hill Art Gallery & School Council holiday program
ages 6yrs to 13yrs. Teaching the use of art mediums and art apprieciation.
Private art classes at my Gallery in Mystic Park
and Neighbourhood House Swan Hill
Both adults and children.
Teaching different mediums and using the elements of art.
Commission: Wood Wood Local Community:2009/2010
Design and painting of two murals for outdoor installation on the River Frontage, Wood Wood, errected 2010.
Community consultation to design what community wanted included in concept. Funding CMA.
Mallee Mural: Kerang Primary School 2007-2008
Murals by Kerang Primary grade 6 students
Overseen by Caroline
Art Teacher: MacKillop Catholic College 2018-2019
Using the Australian Curriculum I designed and implemented art units. One such unit was designed for year 7 using various mediums to produce an art work that represented them.
