UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/EVENTS
TRAVELLING PUBLIC PROGRAMS
Incursions for early learning centres, schools & aged care facilities
SHOWING DATES:
18 MAY – 26 JUNE 2026
NATIONAL GALLERY ART CASES: BODIES (RED CASE) & FORM AND FUNCTION (ORANGE CASE)
Explore works of art from the National Gallery of Australia up close and in person as well as participate in a creative workshop.
From Monday 18 May to Friday 26 June the Western Downs Regional Council’s Arts and Culture team are bringing these educational cases to schools and community groups of the region. This program is suitable for kindergarten, primary and secondary students as well as aged care facilities.
The Bodies Art Case brings together works that explore the lived experience of biology (flesh and blood) and how our bodies influence memory, space and form. Several of the artworks take the form of internal organs – heart, brain, digestive system – encouraging us to pay closer attention to what is going on inside our bodies, and how these organs influence our experience of the world. Other artworks consider how bodies relate to the external forces, through their ability to manipulate space or how they are shaped in relation to larger social structures. The works in this case encourage us to think about the physical composition of our bodies and how they shape our experience of the world.
The Form and Function Art Case brings together works that blur the line between art and design. Each object can be used for everyday tasks – serving tea, giving light, or even grinding pepper – but has been created with great care and attention to detail that goes beyond the simply functional. Combining historical objects with contemporary works, this case asks us to consider the relationship between an object’s use and its form. How does an object’s decoration, shape or method of creation change the way we engage with it or its meaning to the user? From the ceremonial to the personal, these objects illustrate the complex systems and rituals that humans have developed over centuries and suggest new ways of relating to one another.
To register a visit to Dogwood Crossing, Miles or book an incursion where we visit your school or community group by calling Amy Bevan our Exhibitions and Public Programs Officer on 07 4679 4312 or emailing .
The National Gallery’s Art Cases are generously supported by the Neilson Foundation with grateful acknowledgement of founding patrons Elaine and Jim Wolfensohn.
CREATE AT DOGWOOD
This program is a series of facilitated creative and movement-based workshops designed to support the mental health, physical wellbeing and connectedness of the local community. Bringing together contemporary art practices, gentle physical exercise and mindfulness techniques this program offers participants the opportunity to use creativity as a support tool in their well-being. Learn to express, explore and heal through this ongoing series of engaging workshops in the supportive environment of Dogwood Crossing. All experience levels are welcome.
Disclaimer: These workshops are not a substitute for professional medical or therapeutic care and advice. If you have an existing injury, medical condition or mental health concern we recommend seeking advice from a qualified health professional before participating.
Expression, Movement & Connection
This welcoming series of workshops will spark new ideas within you as you explore creativity and self-expression through a variety of hands-on activities, movement-based workshops and technology insights.
Fabulous Lemondrops Musical Performance
with Western Downs Libraries
A joyful musical adventure for kids, filled with catchy songs, bright props, and interactive fun. Join the Fabulous Lemon Drops and share the magic of music. Photos and/or videos may be taken at this event for promotional purposes. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let our friendly staff know upon arrival.
First 5 Forever is an initiative of the Queensland Government, coordinated by State Library of Queensland and delivered in partnership with Western Downs Regional Council.
Bookings are essential as spaces are limited.
DATE: Friday 1 May
VENUE: Leichhardt Centre, Miles
TIME: 9:30am to 10:30am
COST: FREE
Suitable for ages 0-5 years
To register please click HERE
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Ai Made Easy
with Western Downs Libraries
This interactive workshop introduces participants to ChatGPT, a conversational artificial intelligence tool that can assist with learning, creativity, and problem-solving. Through live demonstrations and group participation, attendees will see AI responses generated in real time and learn how AI can support brainstorming, learning, and creative thinking,while also understanding its limitations.
No prior experience with AI is required.
Bookings are essential as spaces are limited.
DATE: Thursday 7 May
VENUE: Dogwood Crossing, Miles
TIME: 9:00am to 10:00am
COST: FREE
Suitable for age 13+
To register please click HERE
Cricut Mug Press Workshop (Mother’s Day Mug)
with Western Downs Libraries
Create a personalised Mother’s Day mug using the Cricut Mug Press in this fun, hands on workshop. Open to all ages, participants will design and press their own custom mug. Perfect as a heartfelt gift for Mum.
Bookings are essential as spaces are limited.
DATE: Thursday 7 May
VENUE: Dogwood Crossing, Miles
TIME: 3pm to 4pm or 4pm to 5pm
COST: FREE
Suitable for ages 13+
To register please click HERE
Yoga in the Gallery
with Ascension Fitness Miles
Join yoga instructor Amy from Ascension Fitness for a beginner friendly yoga session in the gallery. Enjoy the gentle movement and flow through a blend of mindfulness, breathwork and movement to help support your physical and mental wellbeing.
Yoga mats are provided.
Bookings are essential as spaces are limited.
DATE: Saturday 9 May
VENUE: Dogwood Crossing, Miles
TIME: 12pm to 1:15pm
COST: $12
Suitable for ages 13+
To register please click HERE
Mandala Rock Art
with Western Downs Libraries
Create beautiful and calming mandala designs using acrylic paints on smooth river stones in this relaxing rock art workshop. Participants will learn simple dotting techniques and patterns to produce their own vibrant, decorative mandala masterpiece to take home.
Bookings are essential as spaces are limited.
DATE: Monday 11 May
VENUE: Dogwood Crossing, Miles
TIME: 10am to 11am
COST: FREE
Suitable for ages 13+
To register please click HERE
3D Printing Introduction
with Western Downs Libraries
Curious about 3D printing and how it works?
Join us for an introduction to 3D printing using the Prusa MK4S, one of the library’s high quality 3D printers.
In this session, you’ll learn the basics of how 3D printers work, the types of objects they can create, and the materials commonly used.
We’ll walk through the full 3D printing process – from a digital design to a finished physical object – and demonstrate a live print on the Prusa MK4S.
This program is perfect for beginners with no prior experience. By the end of the session, you’ll have a better understanding of what 3D printing can be used for and how you can get started using this exciting technology.
What you’ll learn:
• What 3D printing is and how it works
• An overview of the Prusa MK4S 3D printer
• Basic materials and safety considerations
• How a digital model becomes a real world object
DATE: Thursday 14 May
VENUE: Dogwood Crossing, Miles
TIME: 10am to 11am
COST: FREE
Suitable for ages 13+
To register please click HERE
Mindful Stitching Workshop
with Artist Peta Lloyd
Stitch yourself a perfectly imperfect patch using a range of cotton fabrics, from pastels and brights, to earthy tones, or checks. Create your own design, make a mandala, or stitch over Peta’s predesigned prints or provided stencils. Make your patch understated, abstract, pretty or punk!
Learn and use a small set of simple stitches, including running, seed and blanket stitch, with the option to embellish your patch with beads, buttons or sequins.
Finish by hand-stitching your patch onto an item of cotton clothing you bring from home (denim is fine). Please note that some fabrics are not suitable, including stretch fabrics, synthetics and delicate materials such as silk.
All fabrics, stencils, preprinted designs, embroidery threads, scissors and needles provided.
Bookings are essential as spaces are limited.
DATE: Saturday 30 May
VENUE: Dogwood Crossing, Miles
TIME: 9am to 12pm
COST: $30
Suitable for ages 14+
To register please click HERE
Image: Courtesy of the artist
ARTful Beginnings
This program is designed for babies aged from 4 months to 12 months. If you are unsure whether ARTful Beginnings is the right fit for you and your baby, or if you have any access needs or other queries about the event, please don’t hesitate to contact in advance of the program.
Participation and content
- These events are a great way to meet fellow parents with young babies
- We understand that babies sometimes make noise, and that’s perfectly ok
- Parents and guardians are invited to join in with songs and sensory games to help engage their babies throughout the program. You are welcome to participate or just listen
- Pram parking will be available at this event
- The exhibition tour involves walking and standing for short periods of time. We recommend using a baby carrier or sling during this portion of the program, however if you prefer not to carry your baby, prams are also welcome in the gallery spaces
- Parents rooms are available at Dogwood Crossing
Sensory aspects
- Please let us know in advance if you or your child are hard of hearing so we can make this tour accessible for you
- Due to the nature of our young audience, ARTful Beginnings can get a little noisy. There may also be low level noise from a nearby artwork or the sounds of the Gallery
- Floor cushions, ottomans and stools without backs will be available during the sensory play session at the end of the program
- The Gallery air conditioning is set to 21°C to conserve the artworks. We recommend bringing a light jumper or jacket with you
Food and drink
- Breastfeeding and bottle feeding are welcome anywhere in the Gallery
- For the safety of artworks, food and drink cannot be consumed in the Gallery except by children seated in a pram
Capacity
This event has a maximum capacity of 14 babies and their parent/s or guardian/s
Our next session will be Tuesday 23 June, 10.30am – 11.15am
To register click HERE
