The MY TREE PROJECT ART EXHIBITION is open Saturday 27th of July to 31st of August 2024.
Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 5:00pm and Saturdays 12:00pm to 4:00pm.
The exhibition is the culmination of The My Tree Project (MTP), launched in July 2020 which engages school students in nurturing trees and creating art to promote the importance of trees. It is a partnership between WACRA (Western Adelaide Coastal Residents' Association) and AAEE (Australian Association for Environmental Education) aimed to enable students to increase biodiversity and combat climate change. Well over 1,000 students from seven Western Adelaide primary and high schools have been involved so far. Students participate in every stage, from seed propagation to planting in school grounds and community spaces. This hands-on experience deepens their appreciation for indigenous plants and sustainability, forging a strong connection with nature. Their efforts significantly contribute to expanding the tree canopy and understorey vegetation in western suburbs, creating a cooler and more sustainable environment.
In addition to tree planting, students express the meaning of trees through diverse artworks such as paintings, collages, clay work and Stobie Pole artworks displayed at schools and within the community. These artworks vividly illustrate how trees provide essential habitat, beauty, shelter, recreation, nourishment, and life for all living beings. The project not only educates about environmental stewardship but also empowers students to actively participate in environmental conservation and community beautification efforts. It was awarded SA's Community Event of the year 2023 and for the city of Charles Sturt.
A documentary is being made of the project illustrating the students great excitement, collaboration and joy in participating, as well as the teachers enthusiastic support.
For more information about the My Tree Project, visit https://wacra.org.au/my-tree-project/
The opening on Friday the 26th was well attended with many students from Western suburbs schools in attendance along with educationists, parents and other community representatives to hear from WACRA's Julie-Anne Whitehead and speakers from Green Adelaide, Trees for Life, Pennington Primary School deputy principal Rob Varley and a student representative Hayley Maigler from Woodville HS discussing the importance of trees in sustaining our cool environment.
