Witches weave colourful message in new art lesson book

Yarraville artist Catherine Anicic launches her new book at Wembley Primary School.

Witches and wizards whipped up a colourful Halloween welcome to a Yarraville school on Monday for the launch of a new book.

Wembley Primary School was transformed as the Wembley Woods School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to celebrate Helga and May Discover the Magic of Colour, a new book by Yarraville artist Catherine Anicic and her mother, Suellen Stubbs.

Ms Anicic said the book is the first in a planned series introducing children to the wonderful world of art and creativity.

“This one is around colour mixing, and the next will be around shapes,” she said.

Written in rhyme and pitched to children aged between three and nine, the book’s storyline follows two witches weary of wearing black seeking more colour in life.

Ms Anicic said the idea came when she realised the true wonder of art was not being explored in schools as well as it could be.

“We were mixing paint colours with the children, and the look of wonder on their faces made me realise what they were missing out on,” she said. “Our hope with the books is that we can introduce people to art, and kids will love it and use it more.”

Ms Anicic said the message ties in with the Kids Are Raw Talent program she created with her mother.

Details: www.kart.com.au