Young Artists Shine
The Wenona campus filled with colour and beauty yesterday afternoon, as we staged two visual arts exhibitions to showcase an impressive range of student works.
The displays marked a celebration of artistic achievement and growth throughout the academic year and showcased the combined talents of students from our after school Creative Arts and academic Talent Development Programs.
The Talent Development Program students from Years 8 to 10 showcased their paintings from their inspiring stay at Bundanon, the former home of renowned Australian artist, Arthur Boyd, in the Southern Highlands. Pieces included Chloe's evocative ‘Nostalgia’, Hannah's ‘Floral Apiary’, and Aurelia's ‘Unbound Atelier’. Working alongside Bundanon's expert staff and Wenona Visual Arts teachers, the young artists immersed themselves in various workshops, including an 'en plein air' session where they painted the breathtaking landscape directly from nature. The Southern Highlands' natural beauty deeply influenced works such as Georgia's ‘Serenity’ and Jamie's atmospheric ‘Encasement of the Silhouette’, while Chloe captured the essence of the historic property in ‘Arthur's Rest’.
Year 9 student, Samantha's painting, 'A Drive Down Memory Lane', combines urban and natural landscapes and was inspired by both the moments shared with fellow Talent Development Program participants and a deeper reflection on artistic memory. "I've always had this feeling in the back of my mind during the anticipation of an experience that I know is going to be the highlight of my month," she said. "This itching melancholy feeling, knowing that in a fleeting moment, what I am present in at that point will eventually be a distant memory."
The program was particularly enriched by the mentorship of our 2024 Artist-in-Residence, Ms Xanthe Muston, a Wenona Alumna (2017) and award-winning artist, whose guidance helped elevate the students' technique. "Talent Development addresses the needs of highly creative students who are right up on the top end of the scale," explained Head of Visual Arts, Ms Michele Brennan. "These students often have very specific learning needs – they have a need for challenge, for extension, and for added complexity in the work they are doing. Like every other student, they deserve to learn something new every single day."
The Creative Arts Extra-Curricular classes showcased an impressive range of works from students in Years 3 to 11. Year 8 student, Claire, shared her journey through the program, describing how students explored various mediums throughout the year. "During Term 1, we learnt how to manipulate graphite and colour pencil to draw a snapshot of a lemon tree," she explained. Their artistic exploration continued with acrylic paintings of ocean scenes inspired by Sydney-based artist, Bronte Goodieson, watercolour works influenced by Australian artist, Katherine Wheeler, and realistic drawings of crushed soft drink cans.
Year 9 student, Chloe, who has been attending weekly art classes, spoke about her experience: "With the constant support of my tutor and peers, I have slowly but surely built confidence in my artistic skills and art has become an essential part of my life." The Years 9 to 11 program encompassed portraiture, landscape paintings using acrylic, ceramics, and observational drawing. Notable artworks were also presented by Chloe in Year 8, whose painting was selected for the exhibition invitation.
Throughout 2024, these young artists have explored an extensive range of mediums from ceramics and textiles to photography, fashion illustration, and animation. The open-ended program saw them draw inspiration from various creative sources, resulting in an eclectic collection that demonstrated both technical skill and creative vision.
As our many visitors to the exhibitions confirmed, they were a testament to Wenona's vibrant and high-achieving artistic community.