Visual arts students impress at 2024 Graduate Exhibitions
At Wesley College, we are lucky to have consistently strong numbers of students that elect to study our array of visual arts subjects from Years 9 through to Year 12, yet not all of them aspire to be artists. Why is this?
Arts education empowers students’ young minds to think critically, problem-solve creatively and communicate effectively, skills that are not only invaluable in the realm of art but also in every aspect of their lives. It inspires them to tackle challenges head-on, embrace uncertainty, and turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Our teaching teams across the campuses enjoy working and making connections with young people, and our studio spaces are exciting, so students enjoy being part of art at Wesley. Through the lens of art, students feel safe to express their thoughts, experiences and aspirations in a language that transcends words.
This practice of creative expression was on full display at the recent 2024 Graduate Art Exhibitions. At our Glen Waverley Campus, over two hundred artworks were featured from the Year 12 IB DP Art class and VCE Creative Practice class, while at our St Kilda Road Campus, 72 students showcased their creative pieces.
Head of Arts at the St Kilda Road Campus, Amelia Judd, praised the students' efforts:
‘Each and every student in some way, shape or form has invited you to explore their personal worlds. They each challenged and grappled with ways to express themselves, whether it be conceptually or practically. The sheer act of exhibiting shows courage and vulnerability. Sharing personal creations exposes them to feedback and criticism, which can be daunting. It also demonstrates confidence in their abilities and a willingness to take risks. For many, art offers a form of catharsis and a way to communicate beyond words.’
Special guest, esteemed visual artist Sarah Tomasetti, was impressed with the work on display, saying, ‘When I look through the range and diversity of voices, I can see the quality of the art teaching at Wesley, because there is no house style – each student has been encouraged towards developing an authentic voice and visual language. Wesley College deserves its strong reputation for visual arts which is recognised at a tertiary level.’
A testament to the students' dedication, talent and courage, the 2024 Graduate Art Exhibitions have set a high standard, and the work of this cohort will no doubt inspire future visual arts students at the College.
We are proud to continue our tradition of excellence in visual arts, knowing that the skills our students acquire – whether they pursue careers in the arts or other fields – will help them succeed in many different areas of their lives.
