The Natural Atelier Inspired by Nature, Created by Children

What began as inspiration from Classroom 5’s inquiry project at Nido Redwood Park, has grown into an incredible opportunity to showcase not only the creativity of our children, but also the values and philosophy that make Nido Early School such a special place.

Throughout the year, the children in Classroom 5, alongside their educator Aru, have been exploring a variety of artistic mediums and learning about different artists. Their ongoing investigations into creativity, self-expression, and the natural world have inspired rich learning experiences and meaningful conversations.

After seeing a post from the local council seeking artwork for a community exhibition, the team at Nido Redwood Park reached out to enquire whether there were opportunities available for children under five years of age. While there was not a suitable category within the exhibition itself, the council kindly connected me with their Community Development Coordinator, who informed us of an available gallery space that had recently become vacant.

With the opportunity to display our children’s artwork for two months, planning quickly began. Over the next three weeks, we explored themes that would not only reflect the unique identity of Nido Redwood Park but also align with Nido’s philosophy of connection, belonging, and respect for the natural world.

The inspiration came naturally. Following a recent excursion to our Yarning Circle, children began bringing leaves, flowers, and natural treasures into the classroom. These simple offerings sparked conversations about our community, our environment, and what makes us who we are. From these discussions, The Natural Atelier was born.

Each classroom was invited to participate, receiving a shared theme and canvas size while being encouraged to interpret the concept through the lens of their own learning journeys. The result has been a beautiful collection of artwork that captures the children’s creativity, curiosity, and connection to nature.

The Natural Atelier celebrates the idea that children are capable artists, thinkers, and creators. Through their work, they have expressed their understanding of the world around them while showcasing the beauty of our local environment and community.

We are incredibly proud of all the children and educators who have contributed to this exhibition and look forward to sharing their creations with the wider community. This exhibition stands as a testament to the power of children’s voices, the importance of creativity, and the meaningful connections that can be formed when learning is inspired by the natural world.

Inspired by Nature, Created by Children.