Makers Empire and the Adelaide Botanic Gardens are pleased to be partnering on activities as part of the Gardens’ Chihuly in the Botanic Garden program until 29th April 2025. We are excited to provide a range of learning experiences designed to engage students of all ages.
This is a unique opportunity for students and teachers to engage with an exhibition by Dale Chihuly, the world’s most celebrated contemporary glass artist. Chihuly explores new and old techniques, pushing the boundaries of contemporary art. He draws inspiration from the world around him, creating statements in color and form which have reimagined conventional ideas of function and beauty for over fifty years. Known for its bold colors and eccentric forms, Chihuly’s work is included in more than 200 museum collections and has been exhibited in fine art institutions, historic cities, and gardens worldwide.
Watching Glass Grow is a challenge course and competition brought to you by the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium and Makers Empire that will have students learning all about how glass is made and how artists look at nature to inspire their artwork. This free challenge course is suitable for years 3–6 students and includes videos, quizzes and tutorials to help students refine their 3D design skills and creative thinking. The challenge course will be available via the Makers Empire 3D app from October 2024 and remain in the app throughout 2025.
This Challenge Course introduces students to the extraordinary world of glass as an artform. Inspired by nature and the amazing work of glass artist Dale Chihuly and five other talented South Australian glass artists, students explore the history of glass and learn how artists create art works using glass as a medium. Students are guided through the Design Thinking process as they learn about the approaches, tools and mediums artists use when creating art pieces. Students respond to videos by participating in in-app quizzes and design tutorials related to the information shared. The Challenge Course concludes with a Design Thinking Project in which students are asked to design their own work of art inspired by nature and the amazing work of the glass artists they have been introduced to.
Yes. The Watching Glass Grow Challenge Course is aligned to the Makers Empire Design Curriculum. To view Design Curriculum outcomes for your state or country please select the relevant curriculum in the drop-down list in the Teacher Dashboard.
The Course also addresses:
Yes, absolutely! The Watching Glass Grow Challenge Course and competition is open to all primary school students. Teachers may register their class or groups of students for the program. Individual students may also register to participate, regardless of whether their school is registered to take part.
Be guided through the Garden exploring a collection of works by artist, Dale Chihuly. Students will observe the large-scale sculptures surrounded by nature and learn about the process involved in creating the artworks. They will then have the opportunity to complete hands-on activities, including taking part in a design challenge as part of the In Full Colour: Dale Chihuly exhibition in the Bicentennial Conservatory.
Monday to Friday – Term 4 2024 & Term 1 2025
10am & 12:00pm
More information and bookings at the Botanic Gardens website.
Join the Botanic Gardens education team, Makers Empire, UniSA and renowned glass artist, Tom Moore for a morning of artistic discovery, exploring all that is on offer in education for Chihuly in the Botanic Garden. Discover how to captivate your class with the Botanic Gardens SA’s 𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘩𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘰𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘤 𝘎𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘯 and explore our innovative challenge Course, Watching Glass Grow!
As part of the session you will:
📆 Monday 13 January
⏰ 9am – 1pm
📍 Goodman Building, Adelaide Botanic Garden
🎫 $35 per person
