Art Teacher Sarah Casson Inspires Year 1 Sculptors
St Peter’s Woodlands is incredibly fortunate to have Sarah Casson—a practicing artist with a flourishing creative career—guiding and inspiring our young learners. Recently featured in InDaily’s “In the Studio with Sair Bean,” Sarah’s profile offers a glimpse into her dynamic artistic practice. Her ability to take an idea, draw inspiration from the environment and culture around her, and bring it to life through thoughtful execution is exactly the kind of creative process she brings into her classroom every day.
“Working with other people is a passion of mine. I think being a teacher informs that, just connecting with others and making with others”, Sarah says.
Recently Sarah led our Year 1 Artists through a project inspired by Dale Chihuly’s vibrant glass sculptures at the Botanical Gardens. The children explored the wiggly lines and squiggly shapes found both in Chihuly’s artwork and in the natural world, beginning their journey with simple collage-based sculpture designs.
Under Sarah’s guidance, these initial ideas were transformed into three-dimensional creations using upcycled materials such as Styrofoam, skewers, and bases made from tuna cans or tape rolls. Students painted their sculptures and added intricate glued-on details—a task requiring patience and creativity.
To celebrate their hard work, each sculpture was photographed against a real image of our school grounds – a magical illusion where each child’s sculpture appears as a giant installation in the landscape—an inspiring and joyful twist that delighted our Year 1 students and highlighted their creativity.
This was no easy project, but every student rose to the challenge with enthusiasm and imagination. It’s a testament to the incredible learning environment fostered by Sarah, whose own journey as a working artist enriches every classroom experience she leads.
Keep an eye out for Sair Bean’s latest creation in North Adelaide, ‘…and the roots run deep while the windows whisper’ and enjoy a sneak peek here.
