Portrait Play introduces young children to portraiture through playful looking and hands-on art making. Participants explore portraits in the Gallery and investigate how artists use visual details such as clothing and special objects to communicate information about a person.

Through guided observation and discussion, children consider what these details can reveal about identity, belonging, interests and the things that are important to an individual. The program encourages children to look closely at artworks, share their interpretations and make connections between visual elements and personal stories.

Children then respond creatively through art making, developing their confidence in observing, discussing and creating visual representations. The program provides an age-appropriate introduction to portraiture, visual storytelling and artistic expression, with all materials supplied.

Drawing/Painting

Students interpret visual details in portraits, including clothing and meaningful objects, to identify clues about identity, belonging and personal stories, and respond to artworks through guided observation and creative art making.