School Holiday Workshop: Art Steps by Billy Bain
Duration: 120 min
Free, limited numbers
Bookings essential
Meet in the Tim Fairfax Learning Studio at 10.20am for a 10.30am start
Art Steps is a series of creative making activities produced by artists for children to enjoy with family and friends.
In this Art Steps, Dharug artist Billy Bain welcomes us into his wonderful world of clay and sgraffito.
'In my ceramic work I like to use pointy tools to carve into the clay to create linework and detail, much like sketching out a drawing. This is called sgraffito! I see my sculptures as being an extension of my drawing practice. It is like bringing my drawings to life!'
Billy Bain is a contemporary First Nations artist from Dharug Country in Greater Western Sydney. His work challenges traditional views of Australian identity, often using humour to offer fresh perspectives on these narratives. Growing up on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Billy explores his experiences as an Indigenous man in urban Australia, creating new stories through ceramic sculpture, oil painting, etchings, and installations.
Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia on display in Gallery 1– 6 from 14 Sep 2024 – 24 Aug 2025 is a survey of historical and contemporary works of art by over 170 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across Australia.
For more information about our Kids & Families programs visit our dedicated Kids & Families page.
Bookings
Art Steps by Al Munro, Photography: Kerrie Brewer
Art Steps by Billy Bain
Daily, Sat 28 Sep – Sun 13 Oct
Meet in the Tim Fairfax Learning Studio at 10.20am for a 10.30am start
Ages 5 – 12
Inspired by his artwork installation Plan B (Dog Walker), 2023 in Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia, children and families will be encouraged to create a low relief clay canine pal using clay, and a range of ceramic tools.
This activity is designed for children aged 5 to 12. Younger siblings are welcome to join. All children must be accompanied by a parent/carer. Bookings essential for both children and adults.
For more information about our Kids & Families programs visit our dedicated Kids & Families page.
Sensory Friendly Art Steps
Wed 2 Oct
Meet staff outside Main Entry at 10.20am for a 10.30am start
Ages 5 – 12
This sensory friendly session of Billy Bain’s Art Steps is designed for children who identify as neurodivergent.
The program occurs during opening hours. A quiet space for individual activities is included. Noise cancelling headphones are available. Participation is supported with a Social Story and modification of noise and light levels where possible. The Social Story will be sent via email 24 hours before the workshop.
All children must be accompanied by a parent or carer. Bookings essential for both children and adults.
Please contact access@nga.gov.au or +61 2 6240 6632 if you have any questions, sensitivities, access needs or if you require further information.
