On Thursday the 4^th of November, Balaklava High School opened our student exhibition at the Balaklava Courthouse Gallery. The exhibition boasts over 120 artworks from students in Years 8-12. These artworks covered many areas of art and design including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture and digital mediums. The works exhibited were largely produced during Visual Art lessons at the school. However, this year the exhibition opened up to students who choose to make art outside the classroom to celebrate the many talents and interests of our young artists. While the main purpose of the exhibition is to celebrate the achievements of the graduating Year 12 students, the senior students make up for a small part of the exhibition, and their works prove to be an inspiration for younger students. This year students were acknowledged for their efforts with prizes of art materials.

The prize winners were:

• Encouragement Winner (Year 8 student): “Horses at Sunset” by Sophie Tiller
• Junior Runner Up (Student Years 8-9): “Cat” By Joseph Futterleib
• Junior Winner (Student Years 8-9): “Untitled Landscape” by Bligh Wilson
• Senior Runner Up (Student Years 10-12): “Self Portrait” by Keira Baker
• Senior Winner (Student Years 10-12): “Nyx” “Midnight” and “Erik” series by Sophie Wade

And announcing the People’s Choice Award (Voted by guests on the night): “The Process” by Lachlan Gaze.

The night was a massive success with over 50 guests in attendance throughout the evening, including Mayor Rodney Reid. Catering was provided by Home Economics teacher Sarah Mayer and her Food and Hospitality students. A huge thank you to all students who entered their work. It takes time and passion to develop creative ideas and develop skills, but more importantly, it shows courage to put work on display.

The exhibition is open until Sunday 21st November at the Balaklava Courthouse Gallery.

Opening hours are:

• Thursdays 2pm - 4pm
• Fridays 10am - 4pm
• Sundays 2pm - 4pm

Amy Tilbrook