Paper in Motion with Penny Bennett

If you’ve got a teen who likes making things, tinkering, or getting creative in a way that’s a bit different, this Youth Week workshop is a great fit. Paper in Motion with Penny Bennett is all about turning simple materials into something that actually moves the kind of activity that pulls kids in because it feels hands-on, playful, and a little bit “how does this work?”. It’s also a nice holiday option for young people who enjoy art, design, or STEM-style problem solving, but don’t necessarily want a loud or sporty activity.

This workshop is inspired by Penny Bennett’s exhibition Biomorphism, and guides participants through creating a kinetic sculpture using paper and the process of automata. In simple terms, automata are clever paper mechanisms like cams, cranks, levers, gears and linkages that turn movement into action. Participants will learn how these parts work and how to use them to bring their sculpture to life. No prior experience is needed, and all materials are provided. The session is for young people aged 12–18 years and costs $15, which includes tuition and materials. It’s held at the Bundaberg School of Arts Centre Bundaberg.

Workshops like this are valuable because they build confidence through making. Young people get to experiment, problem-solve, and see a project through from start to finish and the “movement” part makes it extra rewarding, because the outcome is interactive, not just something to look at. It also supports creativity and persistence: if a mechanism doesn’t work the first time, they adjust it and try again. As a Youth Week activity, it’s a great way to celebrate young people’s ideas and skills in a supportive setting and it might spark an interest that keeps going well beyond the holidays.

Details:
When: Saturday 11 April 2026
Time: 10am – 12pm
Where: Bundaberg School of Arts, 184 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg Central
Ages: 12–18 years
Cost: $15 (includes tuition and all materials)
Booking Info