Join artist and ecologist, Fiona McQueen for an afternoon learning about the wonderful world of seaweed, through the art of seaweed pressing. During this workshop you will create your own piece of sustainable nature art while learning about your local marine environment on Kaurna Country.
Creating herbarium specimens is an age-old process used in the scientific study of plants and macroalgae (seaweed), but did you know it can also be a great way to create sustainable nature-art? This workshop is an intersection of art and science, providing the opportunity to deepen your connection to the local marine environment.
The Great Southern Reef is an interconnected underwater system fringing Australia’s southern coast, and algae (seaweed!) are the backbone. Yet, many of us know very little about it!
This workshop will begin at a local beach (Semaphore) with a brief spoken introduction to seaweed - shedding light on this often underappreciated, yet crucial element of the marine environment. This will be followed by a guided walk, learning how to forage for your own seaweed sustainably, to create art. Slowly walking the tide lines in search of nature’s treasure can be an incredibly relaxing and meditative experience.
Back at the Port Adelaide Visitor Information Centre (VIC), Fiona will demonstrate the process of turning a wet piece of seaweed from the beach into a beautiful piece of art, preserved on paper. The process involves arranging seaweed specimens on paper in a tray of water, and the associated drying process.
Participants will have the opportunity to produce 2x A4 pressings on watercolour paper.
Participants will have 2 options for completing the pressing process.
Option 1: Participants may purchase their own press for a small fee on the day (made from reclaimed materials by Fiona) with instructions for after care, if they wish to manage the drying process themselves.
Option 2: Fiona can manage the drying process with her own press and have the artwork ready for collection a month after the workshop. Pick up from the Port Environment Centre.
Important things to note:
Disclaimer: Seaweed conditions are variable so this workshop will adapt accordingly. For example, if there are no suitable seaweed specimen, seagrass may be foraged.
Participants will need to provide their own transport between Semaphore Beach and the Port Adelaide Visitor Information Centre (66 Commercial Road, Port Adelaide SA 5015). Specific location at Semaphore Beach to be determined 1 week prior to workshop, pending seaweed conditions.
Part 1 of the workshop is held outside at the beach, and Part 2 is held in an undercover outdoor courtyard at the VIC. Please dress appropriately for the weather and remember to bring a hat, sunscreen, water bottle & snacks.
The workshop involves a guided walk along the beach, through soft sand. Please consider if this is suitable for you.
This event is aimed at adults. No previous experience is required.
* We recognise that this has been a tough year and you are welcome to purchase a concession ticket if needed *
Please book by Monday October 10.
** Very limited spaces available **
All activities undertaken in this workshop are in accordance with the Fisheries Management Act 2007 and are in consultation with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA).
The sustainable collection of seaweed is an important theme of this workshop, as sea-wrack (beach-cast seaweed) has an important role in marine ecosystems. The recreational collection of wrack is the responsibility of Local Government Authority, so please contact your local council for permission.
The Port Environment Centre is seeded by Green Adelaide.
Any questions? Email fiona.mcqueen@outlook.com.au for workshop specifics &
hello@portenvironmentcentre.org.au for event logistics.
