School Holidays: Minerals Illustration for Teens

Minerals have fascinated people since the dawn of humanity. Join us these school holidays to learn more about these wonders of the natural world by getting up close with some of the secrets of the South Australian Museum mineral collection.

Scientific illustration is an art form all about communicating efficiently and accurately. Using minerals from the SAM collection, come learn the art of both scientific illustration and mineralogy. Whether you are a seasoned artist or you’ve never held a brush before, this workshop will give you the tools suited to your level to create your own illustration. Through careful observation, you will learn to see minerals, rocks, and the geological world in a whole new way!

In this workshop you will:

• Hear from the museum mineralogy staff about the wonders of the mineral world


• Learn how to identify and draw different mineral groups


• See rare minerals up close which are not normally on display


• Practice observational drawing, with different activities available tailored to your skill level


• Create a scientific illustration of a mineral of your choice using either coloured pencil or watercolour

Please note:

As this workshop is for participants aged 12-17, attendance of an accompanying adult is optional. If a parent or guardian will not be attending for the duration of the workshop, you will be required to provide contact information during the purchase process.   

Adults who are accompanying the child participant are not required to purchase a ticket.