Local art and design students have been joined by others from across the north-east to be celebrated as part of the annual showcase exhibition, which opened to the public on Friday, March 7 at Benalla Art Gallery.
A cohort of 20 students from Benalla’s FCJ College, Benalla P-12 College, Cathedral College Wangaratta, Galen Catholic College, and Mansfield Secondary College have 29 artworks in this year’s exhibition.
The exhibition provides students, who studied in 2024, a unique opportunity for artistic recognition in a public art space.
Representative of a range of media and topics, the exhibition highlights the creativity and diverse talents of young and emerging artists within local communities.
Students studying this year can use this exhibition as an opportunity to see firsthand what is involved with the subjects they are about to undertake.
Folios and other material are available for students, and visitors, to explain the concepts and development of the artworks.
Benalla Art Gallery Director, Eric Nash, said for general visitors to the exhibition, Showcase provided an insight into the passions and concerns of young artists from schools across the region.
“The exhibition presents impressive works of art and folios exploring concepts including dreams, memories, and fantasy,” he said.
“(As well as) beauty, mental health, identity, prejudices and teenage life.
“Each year we’re really heartened to see large numbers of people from our community visit this exhibition, and to hear how they have been inspired by the artists’ creative processes, imaginative ideas and skilful use of materials across a range of media.
“Showcase highlights Benalla Art Gallery’s strong commitment to contemporary art and arts education.”
The exhibition closes on Sunday, March 23.