HYLAND Community Kindergarten students have spent many hours across the year creating beautiful artworks ranging from self-portraits, clay pots, Indigenous storytelling, nature photography and jewellery.
Their efforts have culminated in their first, and hopefully annual, art show on September 15 and 16 (Friday and Saturday), with donations to benefit Central Gippsland Health Service (CGHS).
The children voted on different options of local charities to support via a gold coin donation entry to the event, and raised just over $200 for the CGHS Baby’s Unit.
With many of the students born in that unit, it’s an amazing way for them to give back.
More than 170 people from the community attended the art show including families, friends, and Gippsland Art Gallery educators Meghan Bye and Georgina Glanville.
Teacher Kylie Curran (who teaches the 3s) said families very much enjoyed the art show, and that it was a fantastic opportunity for the children who were excited to show off their work.
“We had many generations of families come along. It was wonderful to see nans, grandpas and extended families sharing the experience together,” Ms Curran said.
“We are looking forward to including a community event with future shows such as a barbecue or picnic, creating something the families can look forward to each year.
“As a teacher, I felt so proud that the children’s work was being valued by their families and held up as examples of ‘real art’, rather than just being popped on the fridge at home.”
Fellow teacher Alyssa McDougall (4s) said a range of inspirations influenced the kids’ artwork, such as painter Jackson Pollock and local textile artist Annemieke Mein.
“They also did their own self-portraits,” Ms McDougall said.
“They’ve all been so excited to be able to bring their families to what they’re done.”
Students are already talking about next year’s art show. But for now, with all the art taken down to be given to the kids to take home, it might be time to start their own art shows at home.
