1. Clare McFadden (May 4-17)
First up was Clare McFadden, writer and illustrator of The Flying Orchestra (University of Queensland Press, 2011).
Clare was selected for the breadth of her vision in terms of outreach and workshop, as well as for the quality and interest value of The Flying Orchestra. Clare delivered a range of well-attended and well-received workshops for adults and children, including:
Action-illustration workshops with primary school students from Ben Venue Primary School, O’Connor Catholic School, and Presbyterian Ladies’ College.
T-shirt making Workshops with women from the Armidale Sanctuary Refugee Group, and the Drummond School Refugee Homework Group.
Professional Development Workshop for teachers on the Reggio Emilia Method of art education at the New England Regional Art Museum.
Picture-book workshop for the public at the New England Regional Art Museum.
On-Campus workshop for students of UNE and TAFE.
Public Reading of The Flying Orchestra at Armidale-Dumaresq Council War Memorial Library.
Visits to Armidale Branch of the NSW Children’s Book Council, and the New England Conservatorium of Music Mini-Singers, and the New England TAFE.
Interviews with Kelly Fuller, ABC New England Radio, and the Armidale Independent.
While a resident on-campus, Clare worked on sketches for her second picture book.
I thoroughly enjoyed my two weeks as a writer in residence in Armidale. From the moment that Elizabeth Hale presented me with a hamper of tea and nice foods to keep me going through my stay, I knew I was going to be well cared for and supported. And I certainly was - the residency was well organised and I felt that Elizabeth did a particularly good job of making me feel at home. It was fantastic to have the opportunity to engage with such a broad cross section of the Armidale community through the diverse program of events I was involved with - school workshops, a gallery opening, workshops with newly arrived refugees, adult classes, a presentation at the local tafe and a visit to the children's book council group. I really started to feel like part of the community. In terms of my own professional development, it was great to have some time to focus on my own work outside of my usual context and it was really helpful for me to get feedback from workshop participants on the sessions I facilitated. The accommodation with meals at the university was also really wonderful as it was great to be immersed in this community as well and not worry about cooking. I can't thank Elizabeth and the rest of the staff at UNE for making this such a wonderful experience that didn't feel like work at all!
http://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2012/05/14/3502459.htm?site=newengland
Other residencies:
