Science in artworks

Mini-beasts and microbes are the inspiration behind Maitai School’s striking art exhibition at Nelson’s Bridge St Collective. Students at the Nelson school and its two satellite schools in Victory and Henley have spent the year making ceramic tableware, silk wraps and wall hangings with the school’s art specialist Judy Keylock.

Their eye catching works are on display until December 7.

Judy said students learnt this year about the creatures and micro-organisms that break down organic and food waste.

The school has a bokashi system to break down food waste and recycles its waste to feed the school’s garden.

Potter Ross Richards provided a lot of technical advice on the ceramic work, but he sadly passed away before seeing the finished works.

Judy said the students had made some really professional looking pottery, and they had enjoyed the sensory experience behind the work.

Students could chose a mould of a shape they liked and the pottery is stamped with shapes of bugs and other critters. ‘‘It’s a sophisticated outcome. ‘‘We enable all our students to take part. ‘‘I like to make a connection with the community through exhibitions to lift the school’s profile.

‘‘It’s a special school.

‘‘They actually are incredible places and students can thrive in them,’’ Judy said.

The school and its satellite caters for 33 students who have a wide range of special needs.

The artworks have all been made with an environmentally friendly focus.

Students dyed the silk wraps dyed with organic matter.

All the works are for sale, with the students making two ceramic items, one for their family and one to sell.

A celebration is being held tonight at the Bridge St Collective for the students

and parents and others involved with the school.

Judy said the school usually exhibited in the Suter, but this was now closed for renovations.

She approached the Bridge St Collective to exhibit there and said she was very fortunate that gallery manager Vanessa McRae was happy to accommodate them.

Vanessa said the gallery was a community gallery space and it was happy to accommodate the school.

The exhibition had a lot of feedback’’

‘‘really great

Art on Display: Maitai School students are exhibiting their artwork at the Bridge St Collective Gallery. From left, front, Timothy Worboys, David Gardner, Mitchell Mayne-Ord and back Bridge Street Collective gallery manager Vanessa McRae and Maitai...