After School Program
Nature Art Club
at Wittunga Botanic Gardens
Join us for our new after school art program.
Set within the natural surrounds of the Wittunga Botanic Gardens, the Nature Art Club provides a calm transition from school, into evening home life.
Under the guidance of our experienced art teacher, Emily Johns, your child will be supported to connect with nature and find their inner artist in fun and creative ways.
Sessions will not be overly structured, instead offering a flexible, creative and autonomous environment where your child can freely explore their interests and express their ideas.
The Nature Art Club program will move through the seasons, engaging your child in learning about South Australia’s unique plant and animal species. We will nurture new skills and foster a sense of pride, with all budding artists set to produce a portfolio of unique art pieces by the end of the school term, creating lasting memories along the way.
Each session will commence with a grounding in nature, encouraging mindfulness and an appreciation of the wonders around us. We’ll then move into our art activity, before finishing with free play designed to nurture your child’s relationship with the natural world.
Parents are welcome to stay for the sessions, enjoy the surrounding gardens, or drop-and-go.
Who is Nature Art Club for?
Nature Art Club is designed for children aged 8-12 years.
When is Nature Art Club offered?
Nature Art Club will be held on Thursdays from 4:00pm – 5:30pm. Term 1 sessions will commence in Week 4 (22 February) and conclude in Week 11 (11 April).
How much does Nature Art Club cost and what’s included?
The cost for Term 1 is $200 for eight sessions. All art materials will be supplied and your child will complete the term with a portfolio of art pieces to take home.
Nature Art Club Program
The Life of Emus: Charcoal and Emu Stew
Session one will see nature artists learn about the fascinating life of Emus – such as their tendency to eat charcoal and rocks! Emily will guide participants through various art techniques using charcoal. We will then use elements of an Emus diet such as saltbush, rocks, sheoaks, dirt and berries to create our own unique potions and stews.
Session Two: Thursday, 29 February
Echidna’s Immersed in the Bush: Clay Creatures, Huts and Nests
Nature artists will learn about echidnas, including their life cycle, habitat, and dietary habits. This session will be a hands-on experience, with participants sculpting clay creatures, focusing on the details that make echidnas unique. They will then use artistic expression in constructing mini huts and nests inspired by the natural habitats of echidnas, providing a deeper connection to these intriguing creatures.
Session Three: Thursday, 7 March
Symphony of the Fairy-wren, Regent Parrot, and Dragonfly: Nature Brushes, Pigments and Textures
Creativity takes centre stage as participants craft their own nature paint brushes and explore a spectrum of vibrant pigments. The session unfolds into an exploration of the art of colour mixing and texture experimentation, inspired by the vibrant hues of Fairy-wrens, Regent Parrots, and dragonflies.
Session Four: Thursday, 14 March
A Platypus Perspective: “en plein air” Drawing Session and Mini Beasts
A unique opportunity to engage in “en plein air” drawing sessions with artists Emily Johns and Jason Tyndall, capturing the essence of freshwater landscapes. Your nature artists will embark on a mini-beast exploration to uncover our diverse and fascinating underwater world, with a special focus on the elusive platypus.
Session Five: Thursday, 21 March
Summer Night Serenade of Owls: Clay Printing
Nature artists will engage their imaginations to craft their own clay owl wall hanging. This session is inspired by the nocturnal melodies of owls. Extend the journey with textured natural playdough to create miniature owl habitats.
Session Six: Thursday, 28 March
Salty Adventures with the Blue Groper, Southern Right Whale, and Bottlenose Dolphin: Mixed Media Collages and Water Exploration
Exploring mixed media collages, nature artists will reflect on the diverse marine life found in our oceans. They will enjoy water-based art methods to capture the underwater grace of blue gropers, Southern Right Whales, and Bottlenose Dolphins.
Session Seven: Thursday, 4 April
Outback Kangaroo Chronicles: Painting and Weaving
This session will centre on one of Australia’s icons – the kangaroo. Nature artists will explore Australian landscapes through the creation of a kangaroo artwork using acrylic paint, with a special focus on expression and form. Participants will also learn frame and star weaving with kangaroo grass, connecting art and nature in a meaningful way.
Session Eight: Thursday, 11 April
End-of-Term Celebration
We’ll celebrate the end of the term with a Mini Festival of Nature Play SA’s most popular nature-based activities, fostering a sense of community and connection.
After School Program FAQ's
Is this a drop-and-go service?
As the Parent/Guardian/Special Adult, you are welcome to drop and go or you are welcome to use our tranquil space and facilities including the kitchen, back room and deck.
Who is the lead educator?
Emily Johns is an artist with a background in marine science. She is also a seasoned secondary school teacher with a passion for fostering connections with the natural world. With seven years experience in classrooms, she brings a gentle touch and a deep appreciation for the harmony between art, science, and nature.
Where do I park?
You can park along Sherbourne Road. The entrance to Wittunga House is also at the corner of Sherbourne Road and Shepherds Hill Road, there will be a sign out the front to direct you. We will greet you in the front lawn/entrance area at the start of each session.
Do you have staff clearances and insurance?
Staff Clearances: All NPSA staff possess current DHS Working with Children Checks, Catholic Education clearances, and/or Teacher Registration, along with up-to-date first aid and RRHAN-EC training. These clearances can be provided upon request, and staff also carry hard copies on program days.
Insurance: NPSA holds public liability insurance and possesses a certificate of currency.
Can I use NDIS funding?
We are currently in the process of becoming a certified NDIS provider but in the meantime, you can use our program under the Capacity Building – Improved Daily Life Category. This needs to be written into your NDIS Plan to be able to claim. You can contact your plan provider to organise this or if you are self-managed then you can contact the NDIS and get this organised through your healthcare provider. You will pay us directly and get reimbursed by the NDIS.
