Families and nature lovers are invited to explore Moreton Bay’s rich biodiversity at The Wonderkeepers, a free workshop that blends creativity with environmental awareness.
Led by artists Nadine Schmoll and Russell Solomon, the experience takes place at CREEC in Burpengary this month, and invites participants to learn about seven natural ‘Wonders’ – important local native plants and animals – and what each of them needs to survive and thrive.
Nadine, a local artist and educator whose work bridges art and science, said the project was designed to help people build a deeper connection with the natural world.
“Becoming a Wonderkeeper is an invitation to discover curiosity and awe in the natural world,” she said. “My hope is that participants will not only learn about their chosen Wonder, but truly engage with it and feel inspired to share their discoveries with family and friends.
“In doing so, they are planting a seed of care and responsibility, and nurturing a desire to protect the wonder-filled environments on our doorstep. Wonder can be found everywhere, even in the most unlikely places. All we need is the openness to notice and experience it.”
Pledging Protection: The Seven Wonders of Moreton Bay
The workshop features a tactile clay-making activity where participants create their very own nature-inspired piece of artwork. Each person chooses from one of the seven Moreton Bay Wonders: the dugong, beach stone-curlew, transverse moth, long-finned eel, staghorn coral, swamp orchid or macaranga. Along the way, they discover the roles their chosen species plays in the ecosystem.
For inspiration, participants can view a collection of seven artworks by contemporary artists, including works by Nadine and Russell, alongside pieces by Dylan Bolger, Norton Fredericks, Kuweni Dias Mendes, and Debbie Taylor Worley.
By the end of the workshop, participants become pledged Wonderkeepers and leave with their own clay model, along with a deeper understanding of the plants and animals that call Moreton Bay home, the ecosystems they rely on and the part we all play in protecting them for the future.
There will be three workshops taking place at CREEC this month, with Nadine leading the sessions on 15 and 17 April, and Russell on 8 April.
The Wonderkeepers
- Wednesday, 8 April, Wednesday, 15 April, Friday, 17 April, 9.30am-11am
- CREEC
- 150 Rowley Road, Burpengary
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