A Blend of Science, Art & Culture
Our Science Department was excited to welcome Julianne Wade, a talented Whadjuk artist, who led a special workshop with our Year 7 students.
Julianne’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in her Nyungar heritage from her mother’s side, as well as her Tainui roots in Ngaruawahia, New Zealand, on her father’s side. As a visual artist, Julianne masterfully uses mediums such as acrylics and natural ochres to express her culture in fresh, contemporary ways.
Julianne is passionate about sharing her culture with others. Through her work, she fosters meaningful conversations about Aboriginal heritage, Dreamtime stories, and the modern challenges faced by Indigenous communities. This commitment to cultural awareness shines through in her community engagement, especially in schools where she introduces students to the richness of Indigenous art and traditions.
Unique Hands-On Project
During her visit to Santa Maria, Julianne guided the Year 7 students through a unique, hands-on project that beautifully blended art, culture, and science. As part of the students’ classification topic in Science, they explored the significance of Australian native animals in Aboriginal traditions. This collaboration allowed students to see these animals not just as part of their scientific studies but as integral characters in the stories and traditions of Australia’s First Nations people.
Through this workshop, Julianne introduced students to the cultural significance of native animals, such as kangaroos, emus, and goannas, in Indigenous storytelling. Students had the opportunity to paint these animals, learning how they represent different aspects of the land and community. As Julianne shared stories from her own experiences and heritage, students gained a deeper understanding of how Indigenous art is intertwined with respect for the land and its creatures.
Art with Personal Meaning
One of the most exciting aspects of Julianne’s workshop was the opportunity for students to create their own designs, inspired by stories important to them. After hearing Julianne’s insights into Aboriginal art and traditions, students developed their own narratives and paint them onto animal shapes. This personal connection to the project inspired creativity, self-expression, and helped students see the value of storytelling in both traditional and contemporary contexts.
By merging their Science curriculum with art and Indigenous cultural education, this workshop inspired students and fostered greater cultural awareness. Through this experience, students not only developed their artistic skills but also gained a more profound respect for Australia’s Indigenous heritage.
- AboriginalArt, AboriginalHeritage, CulturalEducation, Featured, IndigenousArt, JulianneWade, ScienceArtIntegration
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
Weekly Wrap Up – Week 10, Term 3 2024
A Blend of Science, Art & Culture
