Projects & Workshops
Lucienne’s children’s picture book Possum Tale is based on a true story that happened at her house. Sometimes the simplest of ideas are ready right there in your own backyard. When she visits schools, pre-schools, libraries or community groups, Lucienne shares the story behind her book, how it was rejected, how it developed and how it was polished and eventually published.
Lucienne brings some of the original paintings too, so art and illustration in a book can be seen, explained and appreciated. It’s fun to hear a youngster ask, “But how did you get that big painting into the book?”. There is a little secret she shares about painting possums too. Lucienne has also conducted school art projects with a view to enhancing the educative environment and had some wonderful results, not just in the art produced but with the kids’ creativity and development.
Blackburn Lake Sanctuary is a beautiful bush haven close to my home. Seventy five acres of land has been preserved and re-generated and it is a vital urban oasis.
There is an Education Programme which enables schools, pre-schools and community groups to learn about their local environment, wildlife and habitat, waterways, ecosystems and much more. I am a happy volunteer with this program as it is so important that children (and adults) have an understanding of nature and where we fit and connect with it. When I enter the park I feel like I am away from suburbia and out in the wild. I get excited to see the many birds that frequent BLS, including tawny frogmouths, white faced herons, spotted pardalotes, gang gang cockatoos, pied cormorants, etc.
I get pleasure out of learning and developing but I also love assisting others to learn and develop. I have run writing and illustrating workshops, various ‘artist in schools’ projects, story times in libraries and numerous talks in schools. I love talking, being involved – and laughing.
luciennenoontil.com 