Art in the Gardens: The Secret Life of Birds

Onsite

Hands-On, Immersive Workshops

• Experience live workshop at the Botancial Gardens
• Learn directly from expert educators and contemporary Australian artists.
• Engage in artmaking, live demonstrations, and curriculum-linked applications you can take straight into your classroom.

Please Note: Catering is not included for this live onsite workshop. Please bring your own lunch with you.

Step into the Royal Botanic Gardens and discover the secret life of birds through art, observation, and play. This inspiring professional learning experience begins with a guided walk exploring bird habitats, movement, and hidden behaviours. Back in the studio, you’ll transform your observations into expressive artworks using drawing, mark-making, print, and collage.

Designed for educators who love connecting art and nature, this workshop invites curiosity, creativity, and fresh thinking about how to bring outdoor experiences into classroom learning.

Key Course Takeaways

• A deeper understanding of local birdlife and ways to connect nature observation with artmaking
• Fresh, cross-curricular ideas that integrate science, art, and sustainability
• A personal collection of experimental drawings, prints, and collages to inspire classroom projects
• Practical techniques for capturing movement, texture, and character using accessible materials
• Renewed curiosity and confidence to guide students in seeing and creating from the natural world

Art Skills in Focus

• Observational drawing and expressive mark-making
• Monoprinting and layered collage inspired by texture and movement
• Simple printmaking techniques using nature-based tools and shapes
• Experimental composition and mixed media exploration
• Translating outdoor observations into personal and classroom artworks

A Special Message from Royal Botanic Gardens:

At Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria we acknowledge the rich diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, representing more than 250 language groups across Australia. We invite you to join this walk with an open heart and mind to deepen your understanding of First Peoples' heritage and living culture—especially in relation to the plants and landscapes of Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.

All materials are provided in this workshop.
A light morning tea is also included, but please bring your own lunch.