Míša Alexander is a mother of three boys, one of whom is on the Autism Spectrum. Inspired by the need for more inclusive schools and communities, she co-created and illustrated Fergus & Delilah, a children’s book changing a generation’s view on disabilities.

Míša is Canadian born, but has lived on the Northern Rivers of NSW since 1997. She has worked as graphic designer & illustrator for over 20 years in various studios around Australia as well as internationally for the United Nations as part of the Electoral Commission in East Timor & Afghanistan.

As workshop illustrator for the Byron Bay Writers Festival StoryBoard, Míša has had the opportunity to work with many students with a diverse range of skills and age.

Míša has opened up her private studio in Bangalow for children and adult art classes. Drawing, painting, exploring and creating; Míša’s art classes are packed with fun, inspiration and encouragement.

Duration: 1 hr
Suitable for:  Stage 1, Stage 2

Workshop overview

Author, Erin Knutt and illustrator, Misa Alexander present a dynamic workshop where they use their picture book, Fergus & Delilah, to explore diversity and inclusion. Students will have the opportunity to explore the similarities and differences of the characters through life –sized props, discussion, illustrations and a bit of dance and music thrown in the middle. Students will then work alongside Misa as they draw their own characters and reflect on how they can be inclusive of others. Finally participants will make their own block head craft, complete with wires for hair, that they can take home or showcase at school!

Topics covered

• Differences and Similarities
• Character choices
• Inclusion
• Storyline
• Power of Illustrations

Curriculum outcomes

• Examine Literature
• Recognise similarities and differences in individuals and groups, and explore how these are celebrated and respected.
• Understand that people use different systems of communication to cater to different needs and purposes and many people may use sign systems to communicate with others.
• Explore ideas, experiences, observations and imagination to create visual artworks and design.

Duration: 1hr
Suitable for: Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3

Workshop overview

Míša is passionate about art and loves to inspire and encourage students of all ages. In Portraits with a Twist, students will first explore and discuss art portraiture in history and the evolution of style. This will then be followed by learning a practical guide to proportions of the facial structure and how to create a face.

Students will then learn to think outside the box with a continuous line drawing of an object (ie. A pear) followed by another continuous line drawing of themself using the right side of the brain to look at the light & shadows as well as the details in the their faces. They will then turn this base drawing into a masterpiece with colour, texture and collage.

Each art session is tailored to specific age groups and is always a fun creative.

Topics covered

• Inspiration & history of art
• Defining spatial awareness
• Exploring abstract thinking
• Overcoming failure
• Learning new things

Curriculum outcomes

• Use materials, techniques and processes to explore visual conventions when making artworks
• Thinking imaginatively, creatively and interpretatively
• Expressing themselves
• History

Duration: 1 hr
Suitable for:  Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3

Workshop overview

Míša’s Dynamic Still Life workshop explores a wide variety of artistic techniques and skills. Dynamic Still life is taking one object and exploring it in several ways. Misa will introduce students to different techniques on how to visually interpret one object. Students will begin with continuous line drawing and move to pastel scratching, pen and watercolour painting and finally a layering approach with acrylic paints.

Topics covered

• Inspiration
• Anaylsing still life
• Application of varying techniques
• Defining spatial awareness
• Explore abstract thinking
• Overcome failure
• Learn new things

Curriculum outcomes

• They demonstrate different techniques and processes in planning and making artworks.
• Thinking imaginatively, creatively and interpretatively
• Expressing themselves