Page 6 - PR Mag Feb18

Masterclass in Pet Portraiture with Isabella Ayres Sea creatures emerge from the depths for World
Learn how to draw a pet portrait in a step-by-step tuto- Wetlands Day
rial and create a realistic portrait of your pet in coloured Underwater creatures of all shapes and sizes will
pencils and watercolour. emerge from the depths of the ocean on Saturday,
This unique opportunity is suitable for both beginners and ad- February 3 to celebrate World Wetlands Day at Osprey
vanced, adults and teenagers. No prior artistic skills or knowl- House Environmental Centre, Griffin.
edge are required, and participants will receive individual con- World Wetlands Day is celebrated each year to promote
sultations about their work. the conservation of wetlands and marks the anniversary of
You will need to bring along an A3-A4 HD colour printed portrait the signing of the Convention on Wetlands of International
(This class is a colour class, not black and white). Please ensure Importance in Ramsar, Iran, on February 2, 1971.
the image is not pixilated (the more you can see, the more you Moreton Bay Regional Council Division 4 Councillor, Julie Greer
can draw!) said the free event would feature plenty of interactive workshops
The class will take place at the Redcliffe Library in the meeting for children, from bird-watching to craft activities and a headline
room from 9:30am-12:30pm on the 17th of February. Tickets ar exhibition featuring sea creatures from Ocean Life Education.
$20, head to www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/events to find out “The event kicks off from 10am, with marine experts on deck
more and book. with tanks full of underwater creatures and starfish for the
Afterwards be inspired by The Lynley Dodd Story exhibition children to interact with and learn all about,” Cr Greer said.
currently at Redcliffe Art Gallery and see how a little scruffy dog “Wetlands play an important role in Moreton Bay, which is
named Hairy Maclary came to life through original sketches and why we’re joining communities around the world in helping to
illustrations. celebrate the importance of these wonderful ecosystems.”
Isabella Ayres is a young local Visual Artist and Photographer. Ocean Life Education Director Richard Coward encouraged
Isabella has a BA in Visual Arts from the University of Canber- families to head along, noting it was the perfect opportunity for
ra, South Bank campus and three Diplomas in Visual Arts from budding marine biologists to get up close and personal with the
South Bank TAFE and London Art College, specialising in Illus- sea creatures that live and flourish off the wetlands.
trating Children’s Books and Botanical Illustration. Working in “Not only do the young ones get to see and touch some of the
mix-media, most of her works are created using pencil and pas- most amazing underwater creatures, they also learn about the
tel, however, Isabella also works with watercolour, ink and oils. vital part they play together with other fauna and flora in our
The inspirations of her work stem from the native Australian en- local environments”, Mr Coward said.
vironment as well as the human form, all that is a little bit odd, Cr Greer said the celebrations would also include the chance
and just that bit beautiful. to get a bird’s eye view of the local osprey nest live via camera,
and special walk-and-talk sessions about some of Hays Inlet’s
migratory wader birds.
“Every summer thousands of wader birds feast in local wetlands
like Hays Inlet before they make the 12,000km trip to Siberia and
Alaska for the breeding season,” Cr Greer said.
“Families can grab a pair of binoculars, head out to the centre’s
bird bunker and try to spot some of the wader birds plus other
birds like Brahminy Kites and Kingfishers.”
World Wetlands Day at Osprey House Environmental Centre
runs from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, February 3.
Osprey House Environmental Centre is located at 975 Dohles
Rocks Road, Griffin.
For more information visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/events