Julia Mannix

Julia is an advanced skills Visual Arts teacher at Para West Adult Campus. Julia plays a dynamic role in the life of Arts in her school and is a tireless supporter of Community arts. Her students regularly achieve outstanding results academically and artistically. She models a strong belief in the social and community benefits of the arts which is reflected in her Community Studies Mosaic Course, which has developed site specific community projects. Julia supports her students and community through exhibitions, art competitions, workshops and visits to arts studios. Julia brings real life opportunities to the classroom, such her students engage meaningfully in their learning as well as developing community connections.

Julia plans to use her award to work with Rob Gutteridge in an Intensive two-day Life drawing Workshop, a masterclass with Chris Orchard, tuition in carving with Silvio Apponyi and a digital photography course at WEA.

Deborah Sleeman

Well known artist and sculptor Deb Sleeman has capably facilitated successful workshops at Kangaroo Island Community Education since 2003. Deb’s workshops to date have featured innovative recycling of marine litter collected by students, staff and volunteers on regular beach and waterways monitoring and has created outstanding works of art. Introducing the genre of found objects sculpture and discussion of colour, scale, form construction techniques and safety issues has widened the visual art repertoire of students. Her workshops are widely acclaimed for their innovative Art / Science interface offering positive learning outcomes for students, staff parents and the wider community. Deb has a long term commitment to planning, development and implementation of projects in the future as core components of the Arts & Marine & Environmental Education.

Deborah plans to use her award to work on a four week Mentorship in Adelaide with glass artist Deb Jones. The mentorship will include working with Deb, access to studio, equipment and materials.

Valerie Harrold

Valerie is currently Coordinator of Performing Arts at Christies Beach Primary School and has a long history of contributing to SA’s Arts Education. She is a champion of the states ARTSsmart strategy and has been State Coordinator of Wakakirri since 2000. She has great dedication to Social Justice and education bringing arts education and an appreciation of the arts to disadvantaged communities.

Valerie is incredibly dedicated and committed to her work, spending after-school and holiday time with students to develop their skills in activities such as Wakakirri rehearsals, filmmaking, dance club and student radio shows. She has the capacity to enthuse others to emulate this practice. Her work as an Arts Educator has provided pathways for students which is life long.

“The profile of the arts has risen dramatically at Christies Beach Primary School and Valerie has been an integral factor in this developing culture, where boys are keen to become involved in all aspects including dance.” Pam Kent Principal Christies Beach Primary School

Valerie plans to use her award to attend the Orff Schulwerk Conference on the Mornington Peninsula Victoria in January 2008, and to attend ‘Filmmaking Foundation in a Week’ Specialised Course at the London Film Academy in September 2008.