Some eight hours later saw me arrive at Windows on the Wetlands on the 1st of November and dropped in and unloaded. Off to the Caravan Park with storms brewing, unpacking in the rain into the little cabin which was to be home for the next while.
6.30 am 2nd saw me with the help of Mr. Lehman and Harvey to start hanging the show. Also, with the assistance of Shona Whitfield manager of the Windows on the Wetlands set up tables, chairs and coverings and art supplies for the first workshop with 30 infants to be held that afternoon.
The children were introduced to the owls and their habitats food etc via a USB provided and produced by myself and then they proceeded to collect foliage from the gardens and create frottage and then transfer this to their owl templates supplied and created by me. They had a wonderful time and were really enthusiastic and interested.
Late afternoon cleaning up and resetting for the next group on Thursday.
Another 8.30am start and more hanging and setting up for the Primary group - they saw the art usb and learnt how the art works were created and what goes in to preparing a show. The enjoyed the owl sounds and learning about the five species of owls represented. They so much enjoyed painting their owl masks and enjoyed a lunch break in the gardens of Windows on the Wetlands. Once again, the clean-up and resetting for High School.
8.30am Friday and the High School arrived some 20 students and were engrossed in Wings of Silence a documentary by John Young who gave permission for educational purposes for film to be shown. There was then a discussion on the threats facing the owls and how they as students could help out. They drew their interpretations of the owls and added to this their words on what should be happening e.g. Don't poison us. These posters were then displayed in the gallery alongside the art works for all to view showing an appreciation for their efforts.
It was then time to clean up pack the tables and art supplies away and rearrange the hall in readiness for the opening that evening at 6p.m.
Shona Whitfield did a wonderful job on preparing the nibbles and a young bartender was in attendance to supply drinks for those who required same.
It was time to go back to the Caravan and prepare for the evening's events and speech preparation. Mr. Phil Lehman opened the show and Karlene did the acknowledgement to Country.
A great night with lots of wonderful comments on the show and work displayed. Everyone enjoyed the time and were invited to the Community Talk on Saturday morning.
Saturday 9.30 am and food, chairs tables set up for the community talk - The crowd were given an introduction to the owls and also shown the Wings of Silence. They were also supplied with information and posters from Bird Life Australia on what they can do to assist the owls e.g. put ribbons on the wire fencing to ward off owls and save them. Get involved making hollows and putting them on properties as owls will eat 3200 miceon average and help diminish the plague problems. Think of alternatives to the use of Rodenticides as this is a major killer of not only owls but other creatures as well. Late Afternoon Saturday and time to clean up put tables and chairs away and restore order to the gallery inviting all to return , bring others and spread the word on the owls.
Sunday was time to relax and a walk on the flooded levy and Tiger Bay wetlands to take some photos . Travel around restricted by flood waters and the Oxley highway cut at that time to Collie and Gilgandra.
Monday unable to go into the Macquarie Marshes as orignally planned saw me spend time in the Windows on the Wetlands sketching and enjoying the serenity there in the gardens and sharing lunch with Shona and Jim.
I will be returning on the 9th December to deinstall and collect the Owl show and return it to the Central Coast where it will wait until it is next on a journey in Regional NSW.