Colac Otway Youth Art Workshops

Published on 23 February 2024

Council is providing young people in the shire with the opportunity to create their own artistic masterpiece at a workshop with local artist, Gavan Serle from GavArt.

Gavan, a talented painter with a passion for telling a story through his colourful pieces will guide young artists to prepare their own unique canvas to display their entry in the upcoming Colac Otway Arts Trail Showcase and Exhibition in April.

Youth Engagement Officer Chelsea Sharp said the workshops would provide young people in Colac Otway with the opportunity to showcase their talent.

“Council is excited to be hosting these workshops for local young people to learn from Gavan and elevate their artistic skills,” Ms Sharp said.

“Gavan has completed a Certificate IV in Painting, Drawing and Visual Arts and he has a terrific body of work including portraits of local sporting legends, AFL footballer Luke Hodge, Australian cricketer Aaron Finch and Commonwealth Games gold medal winner Ken Hanson. 

“Our recent Youth Photography competition was a great success, and we were really pleased with the enthusiasm shown through the creativity of submissions and number of entries.

“The art workshops are proving to be similarly popular with the first two workshops on March 1 and March 8 already booked out. We arranged an additional two workshops to give more young people the opportunity to participate with the second on March 15 also already booked out.

“It’s great to see young people enthusiastic and inspired to get creative and exhibit their work,” Ms Sharp said.

“We’re really excited to be working with the organisers of the Colac Otway Arts Trail on this project for the Colac Otway Arts Showcase and Exhibition.”

A recent survey conducted by Council asking for feedback from people aged 12 to 25 across the shire on youth engagement activities to help develop the Youth Program indicated local young people were interested to participate in more activities focussed on hobbies or interests including music, dancing, drama and art. They were also interested in more opportunities to showcase their creations and talent locally.

Colac Otway Youth Art Workshops

Where: Colac Makers Space 99a Gellibrand Street, Colac

When: Monday 11 March 4pm – 6pm

Who: Young people aged 12 – 25 years, ideal for beginners

Cost: Free with all materials provided.

Please register to secure your spot as places are limited. https://colacotwayshireyouthartworkshops.eventbrite.com.au or visit Council’s Youth Services page on the Colac Otway Shire Council website for more information,

The Youth Art Workshops are proudly supported by Colac Otway Shire Council and Engage!

Photo caption: Council’s Youth Engagement Officer Chelsea Sharp is pictured here with Gavan Serle from GavArt at the Colac Makers’ Space displaying three pieces of Gavan’s artwork.