This event has been postponed by Yarra Ranges Tech School until further notice
Know someone passionate about politics, electronics, art, set design, or decorating their room with cool stuff? Then, you're in the right place! Say it louder is a beginner-friendly workshop for 12–18-year-olds who want to share their voices by learning about laser-cutting, mechanics and electronics. Students will create compelling signs that share their message through shape, colour, and light.
Students will learn from the artist, creative-technologist, and John Monash Scholar Jess Coldrey. Jess is the first Artist in Residence at Yarra Ranges Tech School, described by The Australian newspaper as one of "Australia's brightest young people".
The students will be guided through a history of text-based art and brainstorm how to design a sign for decoration, protest, artwork, theatre, and music shows. They will learn about the electronic principles of laser cutters, LEDs, and batteries to create to craft their message and say it louder. These signs will be painted, engraved, and embellished for the most significant impact.
The students can take home their work or lend it to the artist for inclusion in the Yarra Ranges Art-Tech Exhibition on July 10th. Students will receive an invitation to the exhibition opening, with the opportunity to share their projects with family and friends.
Jess is passionate about bringing technology, sustainability, and engineering together with creativity. She has exhibited art projects across Victoria exploring nature, climate change, and human responsibility. Jess has also worked in engineering on projects like the Metro Tunnel, where she enhanced project sustainability. Through her workshop series at Yarra Ranges Tech School, she hopes to make technology more fun, accessible, and creatively engaging for other young people.
What students will leave with:
A unique light-up sign
An understanding of basic electronics and text art
The chance to make their voices heard
An invitation to be in an exhibition at Yarra Ranges Tech School
Accessibility support:
All materials, devices, and software utilised will be provided by Yarra Ranges Tech School. Students do not need their own laptop to participate.
For disability and/or learning difficulty support, we can arrange for a support worker to be present during the class. Please contact me so I can forward your enquiry to Yarra Ranges Tech School.
A fee is charged to help cover the costs of running this workshop. However, if you live in the Yarra Ranges and can't afford to participate, you may be eligible for the Yarra Ranges Council Youth Pathways Grant (up to $250) to take part. You can find more information at Small Grants Program Guidelines or by contacting the council via phone at 1300 368 333.
