In preparation for the event, Creswick Primary School students got busy creating ephemeral art using sand, straw, twigs and leaves as part of the Creswick Railway workshops sand and straw art project.

Ephemeral means to last only a short time. Art teacher Michelle Ainley said her students had embraced the concept of ephemeral art and made connections with the community, nature and each other during the project.

“This style of art really allows each student’s creativity to evolve,” Ms Ainley said.

“They work with tools available in their natural environment – sticks, leaves and so on – to express their own passions and ideas.

“It’s been a wonderful collaboration with the railway workshops.”

The students from prep to grade six involved in the project used either sand or straw to create ephemeral art.

The school children had fun making sandcastles and scarecrows under the supervision of teachers with Creswick Railway Workshops Association (CRWA) president Councillor Don Henderson.

Art awards sponsored by local businesses will be presented at a school ceremony in coming weeks. CRWA secretary Judy Henderson said there had been strong support from regional businesses for this activity.

She said the positive relationship between the CRWA and the primary school was vital to the success of the event.

Ms Henderson also acknowledged the support of a Hepburn Shire Council 2011 community grant.

Resident Kate Moran said the event was fantastic for children.

“My family had three generations along today and each one of us had a great time,” Ms Moran said.

Many of the scarecrows will take up residence around the Hepburn Shire on farms, in backyards and community gardens.

Deputy mayor Rod May said he intended to secure one for his farm and two will go to the Creswick Primary School.

A scarecrow dog will be offered to the guerrilla gardeners in Daylesford as a friend for their mascot terrier ‘Zero’.

Ms Henderson said the Creswick Railway Workshops were in the process of establishing a community arts and learning space that would provide creative opportunity for people of all ages and skills.