Learning at McClelland

Art discovery for learners

With a McClelland guide, art discovery walks take students on a sculptural journey. Groups learn about key artworks and exhibitions at McClelland; uncovering artwork stories and themes, communicated at primary, secondary, or tertiary levels.

Sculpture Discovery Walk

Immersed in bushland, discover a range of artworks in McClelland's outdoor sculpture collection.

Led by a McClelland guide, sculpture walks may be planned to include areas of focus, but not limited to:

• The McClelland collection, a range of contrasting sculpture works to explore (Visual Art)
• Modernist sculpture, the Centre 5 group (Australian art & art history)
• Art elements including, shape, space, line, texture, form & materials (Visual Art)
• Moving sculptures: kinetic and interactive art (STEAM)
• Reclaimed or recycled materials (sustainability/STEAM)
• Natural materials & environmental themes (sustainability & environment)

For: all levels / 30-45 mins
$2 per student

Exhibition Discovery Tour

Discover McClelland's inspiring temporary exhibitions with an experienced guide. To ensure a quality experience, large groups will be divided up into smaller groups for exhibition tours.

Tours allow students to engage with the exhibitions at a deeper level. Throughout tours, students can expect to:

• Discuss exhibition themes
• View & learn about displayed visual art elements, materials, procedures, and techniques
• Discuss featured artists and their practice

For: all levels / 20 mins
$2 per student

Early Years

At McClelland, we celebrate that children are naturally creative! SENSES was developed for kindergarten level, tailored to meet the needs of our youngest visitors.

This program is proudly supported by the City of Frankston, enabling free entry to all Kindergarten or Early Learning Centres within the municipality in 2024. For Foundation levels (primary) & groups beyond the municipality, there is a cost of $5 per student.

SENSES: Creative by nature

Groups learn about the outdoor sculpture collection, discover nature, and explore their creativity in a specialised art walk that takes children on an interactive journey. The session concludes with a creative workshop with a gallery educator.
The experience includes:

• Early learning experience of art & nature play
• Guided ‘story and song’ sculpture walk
• Hands on art in McClelland’s Bush Art Studio
• Nurturing learning in a creative community

For: Kindergarten & Early Learning Centres
FREE for City of Frankston Kindergartens/ELCs
$5 per child, if beyond the municipality
Duration: 1 hour

Further information >

ENCOUNTERS: First Nations learning for schools

ENCOUNTERS is a unique opportunity for schools to engage with First Nations culture, art, and the natural environment here on Bunurong Country. The experience offers students access to authentic learning about First Nations peoples’ connection and understanding of country.
The experience includes:

• Guided walk from a First Nations perspective, in McClelland’s bushland
• Discussion of Aboriginal life and creativity, past and present
• Concludes with a reflective hands-on workshop linked to Indigenous culture and the current season.

For: Primary & Secondary- to Year 8
Duration: 1 hour
$5 per student

Further information >

Secondary

Complementing our art discovery program for schools, McClelland offers secondary students experiences to develop visual arts appreciation, critical thinking, and insights into creative practice through a variety of options. Whether you are looking for a facilitated program or a self-guided experience, McClelland can help you organise an inspiring excursion, rich in opportunities for learning.

CENTRE 5: Modernist Sculpture Walk

Visit McClelland and explore the modernist art of the Centre 5 group.
McClelland guides take students on a journey to discuss the key works from this influential group of creatives. Use our learning resource, to extend your student’s learning while onsite and as a resource post-visit.
For: Years 7-9
Duration: 40 mins
$5 per student

Upcycled Sculpture: Workshop

Exploring re-used materials, this workshop is a collaborative experience of creative experimentation, constructive expression, and de-construction; all for the purpose of learning about sustainable art practice. Students explore elements of spatial art as well as STEAM, sustainability, and environmental awareness as a community of creatives!
Students are presented with an arranged array of interesting, reclaimed materials. Items that would have ended up in landfill are re-purposed for artistic learning. In small groups, students work together to share ideas, plan and experiment with the elements of sculpture and process art, while giving pre-loved materials a new use and creative spatial arrangement. Groups share and discuss their discoveries; the works are then deconstructed for reuse by future students, continuing the theme of sustainability.

With: McClelland educator
For: Years 9 & 10
Duration: 1 hour
$10 per student

Professional development

McClelland offers annual events for educator professional development. Intended to spark discussion and inspire ideas for educators, professional development programs range from informative talks with key presenters and practical workshops to community-building opportunities with teacher networks.

Past professional development sessions have incorporated areas of focus including:

• First Nations perspectives
• briefings on new exhibitions
• arts education and networking
• behind-the-scenes experiences
• curator-led tours
• artist workshops
• industry professional talks

Upcoming sessions and bookings are via our website, fees apply to each program.
Certificates of attendance are provided for all professional development opportunities.