Talented young artists show their work

The artwork Friends by Year 9 Erina High student James Moore

Erina Rotary Club has co-ordinated an exhibition of contemporary artworks by local high school students from Erina and Terrigal as a part of the celebration of Youth Services Month on the Rotarian calendar.

Supported by Central Coast Council, the exhibition at the Erina Centre aims to showcase the cutting-edge creativity and culture of local young people.

The exhibition focuses on the use of mixed media and technology to support self-expression and creative endeavours.

The theme for the exhibition is Imagine, with the young artists sharing their perspective on the world around them.

Teachers Gail Wright of Terrigal High School and Patricia Hendrie of Erina High School have been keen supporters of the exhibition, submitting students’ artworks for the occasion and helping with set-up and curation of the exhibition.

“It’s a great opportunity for the students to be able to present their artworks to the broader community as well as their families and friends,” Wright said.

“The gallery space is free and open to the general public visiting the library, which means so many people will see the artworks.”

The works include Terrigal High School Year 7’s digital prints of drawings inspired by American Animator, Gary Baseman, creator of the cartoon Teachers Pet, and Year 11’s work focusing on nature.

Family and friends enjoying Terrigal High School Year 11 artworks on natural items

Erina High School’s Years 7 to 12 submitted works of landscapes, still life, animation and portrait drawings and paintings.

Hendrie and her Department Head Brian Huntington endorsed their high school’s participation.

“We are delighted to be a part of this event again this year,” they said.

“The students have been passionate and keen to take risks and have a go and the more opportunities that our students get to present their work publicly the greater confidence they get.”

The exhibition was launched on Monday, May 1, and will be in the Erina Centre Gallery, next to the Library at Erina Fair, until Monday, May 15.

Students, their families, teachers and Department Head teachers joined Erina Rotary Club members at the launch of the exhibition.

The Rotary Club hopes to repeat the event next year.

“The students’ work is so impressive, and I love how they have used a mix of techniques to create the works, including analogue drawing and painting with digital editing and printing,” a spokesperson said.

“ I hope that this will inspire some of the young people to continue and pursue a career in the creative arts sector in the future.”

Source:
Erina Rotary Club