"Ross River virus affects more than 6,000 Australians every year. If we can find a way to prevent the virus surviving in mosquitoes we can stop it infecting humans.”26 September: Children from the University of Canberra Wiradjuri childcare centre will join with early childhood teacher education students in drawing their view of today’s environment, and then wrap their drawings around a University of Canberra building.
For the third year running the University is hosting the Big Draw as part of the Big Draw global festival .
The students at the University will participate with the children from the Wiradjuri childcare centre and the public, in helping to, ‘wrap a building’, in a drawing Christo style.
Artist Christo wrapped buildings, bridges and even islands to resemble huge presents.
University of Canberra Arts Education Lecturer, Dr Linda Knight believes drawing is central to language and is another way to communicate along with writing.
“It is important to understand the implications of drawing, not just as an art form but as an educating tool. Drawing is more socially inclusive and this gives teachers an ideal opportunity to teach another way to communicate within the classroom,” said Dr Knight.
The University students will draw in charcoal - reflections of their surrounding environment - and will then wrap one of the University buildings in those drawings.
The Big Draw is a global event and students at Birmingham University in the UK will also be conducting a Big Draw at the same time as the University of Canberra students. The students will share their experience with their UK counterparts via a blog.
The Big Draw happens Tuesday 30 September from 10am – 4pm with the public welcome to participate and is open to all ages.
WHAT: Big Draw 2008-Wiradjuri Childcare Children Wrap a Building
WHEN: Tuesday 30 September, 12pm- 1.30pm
WHERE: University of Canberra Concourse, Building 5
