Geoff Cobram is a five-year-old at heart.
He has spent the last four years as the artistic director of the Sea of Light exhibition, coming to the Cardinia Cultural Centre in January.
The exhibition offers kids – and adults – the chance to embark on a journey of light and imagination in an illuminating interactive and hands-on installation.
It brings together magical light and a gentle soundscape to create a unique adventure for the whole family.
Simply pick up a UV torch to paint with light or stencil your own voyage or steer ships that leave glowing paths of light in their wake as you sail them across the sea floor.
Geoff says it’s Patch Theatre’s motto to put children at the centre of art.
“This literally puts them in the centre – they’re the creators,” he says.
And the’ve been doing that for many years, creating work for children aged 4 to 8 and their families since 1972.
They’ve reached two million children world-wide.
This exhibition plays on kids’ creative abilities – mixing science with art.
“They can draw on the floor and it will stay there for three-to-four minutes.”
Originally seen as a 10-minute experience, kids were soon spending upwards of 30 minutes in the exhibition.
“They really take to that connection and feel very empowered.
“And that’s not always the case for their first art experience.”
Ensuring kids’ first interaction with art is a positive one is a key focus for Geoff.
“We tour around South Australia and the regions, and around Australia and overseas.
“We get to see children all over the world and we’re very grateful to have jobs where we can do that.”
Many scientific discoveries were made by very creative people, so what are you waiting for… put it in your diary to experience the Sea of Light at the Cardinia Cultural Centre.
