Teaching and Mentoring  

I have a specific interest in perceptive approaches and how this relates to abstract thinking and personal symbolic form.   I facilitate and help students to find their own creative voice.  This involves encouraging independent  thinking in the student  and  personal discoveries and symbolic meaningful connections to  the arts elements and principles. I do have specific exercises for  skill development , but  lateral thinking and risk-taking are also embedded into lessons  so students can find their own inner creative vision.  

 

 I don’t create lessons that are prescribed or template or has a  ‘how to’ based approach. I believe art making is multifaceted and complex. I  embrace perceptual, intuitive and discovery based lessons that are complemented with a knowledge of art theory and techniques.

I have worked  as an independent  contractor  for  Councils ( youth centres and community centres)   and organisations such as Scope  and  NDIS art groups ( adult, youth and children).  My approach is therapy based and considers the individual as an artist with their own creative vision and voice and I believe finding  this inner voice is the healing.

I have recently been contracted for one-on-one for NDIS art therapy work (5 years).

I have worked for Arts Access Victoria for over five years as a Lead and Support Artist ( also across programs that spanned all artforms ( music , visual, performing arts))

I have been  a sessional Visual Arts Lecturer for Latrobe University for over five years ( Masters and Undergraduate), a  sessional lecturer at Deakin University and Visual Art Teacher for Box Hill Institute.

 

Please contact me directly if you have any queries and classes can be adapted to requests. I can deliver online classes if required. 

Testimonials

Linet Hilsberg ( Artist through NDIS - https://drlinet.com/):

‘I can attest to her wonderful teaching methods especially with people who are neuro diverse or have ABI’s. She encourages and brings out the best in the student helping them progress at their own pace. Highly recommended’.

Cate Beresford ( Mother of children who participated in a pop-up arts workshop in Bacchus Marsh ( part of Pulse Arts Market )

Fiona Halse has great patience with teaching and bringing out a person’s creative side, allowing each to express ART how they see it. My kids have enjoyed doing creative crafts lead by Fiona, They feel comfortable in approaching her and discussing their ideas, which is fantastic. Fiona is warm and approachable with the kids.

Joanne Zerafa (mother of artist through NDIS)

What can I say? Fiona is an exceptional teacher and artist. She worked extensively with my autistic daughter, tailoring an art therapy program specifically to meet her individual needs. This one-on-one support was nothing short of phenomenal. Through their time together, my daughter formed a strong rapport with Fiona. Under her guidance, she not only created beautiful artwork but also experienced profound healing—both mentally and physically. If you are looking for art teaching or mentoring support, I genuinely don’t believe you’ll find better. As a music teacher with 35 years of experience, I feel confident in my ability to recognise true skill and talent—and Fiona has both in abundance.

TBA - Next class that I plan to deliver online  ( date, time)

 

REF ( EG)

http://fionahalse.blogspot.com/2019/05/latrobe-university-arts-access-victoria_14.html

http://fionahalse.blogspot.com/2019/05/latrobe-university-arts-access-victoria_84.html

http://srs-studios.blogspot.com/p/melton-willows.html

http://srs-studios.blogspot.com/p/meadow-brook.html