Holly Hooghuis from Kariong Public School has had her artwork chosen to be among 50 selected from over 850 entries as part of the ‘Operation Art’ touring exhibition.
After a year-long tour, which includes an exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Holly’s painting ‘3D sheep’ will become part of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead’s permanent art collection, brightening up the walls for patients, their families and staff. Operation Art coordinator, Ms Lisa van den Dolder said that children’s art can be a powerful tool in aiding recovery and that the 50 selected artworks display an array of talent.
“Research shows that bright, colourful, optimistic artwork can play a vital role in the healing process, giving children an outlet or distraction during long hospital stays and this year the students have really captured this concept. “As you walk around the exhibition, you will be overwhelmed with colour, positivity and creativity.
“It becomes quite clear how these artworks can help improve a child’s mood,” she said. Now in its 21st year, Operation Art has meant that over 900 colourful works now adorn the halls, wards and surgeries in The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
Media release, Sep 28, 2015 Sven Wright, NSW Department of Education and Communities