Fran Offers Bird’s-Eye View to Year 7 Artists

Our Year 7 Visual Art students recently commenced their new rotation, focusing on birds as their major theme. To enhance the students’ enthusiasm and motivation, we were treated to a visit earlier this week from award-winning local bird photographer, Fran Solly.

Fran’s grandson, Bruce, shared that his Nan is knowledgeable about birds on the Eyre Peninsula, a fact that she certainly demonstrated during her talk with our students. We learned that there are 270 species of birds on the EP, many of which are endangered. Fran hopes that through the students’ research and understanding of the birds’ stories such as their habitat, diets and threats, we will contribute to their survival.

Fran showed us stunning photographs of ospreys, boobooks, wrens, and parrots. She encouraged the students to consider not just drawing the birds, but to also capture their unique character and traits.

We extend our gratitude to Fran for her time in educating and fostering awareness among the Year 7 students. The challenge now is: which bird to choose to illustrate?

~ Mrs. Annette Kelson (Art Teacher)