In just its second year the GASE – Student Art Competition at GIGs Gallery at Gateway Island, has attracted a record number of entries from schools for the event.
The GIGS Art Gallery is a community not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers that aims to actively engage the Albury and Wodonga community in art and cultural activities.
GIGS coordinator, Erika Grimes, said the GASE exhibition was a way to nurture the future artists of the region, and the gallery was delighted to have more schools participating and to have extended the age range to include kindergarten/foundation students.
“Students have come from the public, private and home schooling environments and we are so thrilled not only at the response but the amazing range of works that the students have produced,” Erika said.
The schools include The Artspot, St Francis of Assisi Primary School, Bandiana Primary School, Glenroy Public School, Wodonga Senior Secondary College, Wewak Street School, Belvoir Special School – Parents and Friends, Wodonga South Primary School, and Wodonga Flexible Learning Centre.
“This uniquely youth focused exhibition merges artistic expression and personal growth encouraging students from a range of learning environments to submit pieces for public display.”
Erika said local businesses have recognised the importance of such an exhibition and more sponsors had come on board this year.
“Our sponsors Monumental Ice Creamery, Totally Fun, Flip Out Trampoline Arena
Riot Art Stores and Hungry Jack’s were so generous with their donations that we were able to create more prize categories and level which was a very good thing as the judges had a hard time choosing the prize winners,” she said.
Four first place, second place, third place as well as honourable mentions have been awarded.
Winners are Bailey Widdison and Matilda Sullivan, St Francis of Assisi Primary School, Wodonga; Ava Hollands, Wodonga South Primary School; Connor Moyle, Wodonga Flexible Learning Centre and Bonnie Burgess, Wodonga Senior Secondary College.
Judges of the competition were Wodonga Mayor, Cr Annie Speedie, Prime 7 News journalist, Josh Ribarich and Tracie MacVean Artwork.
“Each year the aim is for the exhibition to expand and involve more schools. Visual art children develop motor skills, visual learning and especially inventiveness, and we’ve certainly seen that demonstrated,” she said.
“This is also a way for us to encourage our future artists and we hope to have even more participation next year.”
The exhibition runs until 15 April.
https://www.gigsgallery.com.au/project/gase-student-art-competition
