Creative courses meet community need

The Arts & Media Section of TAFE NSW-North Coast Institute’s Great Lakes Campus is offering a novel program of art and design courses for people interested in furthering their creative careers or simply gaining skills that can help them produce their own gifts for Christmas.

Head Teacher Sandra Guy says that the courses are a reflection of changing need in the community. “A lot of our community are realising that although they have the time and the enthusiasm to pursue new creative areas like digital photography, for example, they don’t have the knowledge or skills.” The courses are also “short and sharp”, which, according to feedback received from the community, are becoming more popular.

Ms Guy emphasised that the teachers for the courses are all industry specialists who provide appropriate teaching and learning. “Their aim is to help students achieve career goals or further creative interests in a friendly supportive way,” Ms Guy said.

Two courses are offered in Digital Photography. The “Getting Started: Basic Camera Operations” course runs over three nights and delivers the basic skills needed to use a digital camera confidently – for example, settings, recording, playback, image file storage and menus. “Not only will this course help people to get the most out of a new camera but it will also assist them in purchasing one” said Ms Guy. The second course, “Advanced Operations: Manual Override”, is for those that have a basic understanding of the operations of a digital camera and its functions and runs for six weeks.

Great Lakes Campus is also running a “Mosaic workshop” in response to community feedback and demand. “You’ll learn basic skills and techniques, including surface preparation, application, designing and the use of tools. It will help people get creative, learn new skills, and produce wonderful new creations, just in time for Christmas!” said Ms Guy.

Most courses begin from the Monday 18 th October. For more detailed information people are asked to contact Sandra Guy on 6555 0616, or come to the Great Lakes Campus, The Northern Parkway, Tuncurry for an information/registration session on Monday 11 th October, between 5 and 6pm .