Record exhibition celebrates Coasts up and coming young artists

The Coast Next Gen Art Exhibition is back for its third and biggest year yet, with 39 inspiring HSC graduates from 14 participating schools on the Central Coast exhibiting their outstanding artwork, from painting and photography to sculpture and digital design.

Launching on Friday 28 February to an opening night crowd of more than 120 Central Coast locals, five winning HSC artists were announced, chosen by a panel of judges for their exceptional artworks.

Proudly supported by the University of Newcastle Gallery, Central Coast Council and Bouddi Foundation of the Arts, the free exhibition is open to the public at the University’s Ourimbah Campus Library between Monday 3 March and Friday 4 April during Library opening hours.

Executive Dean of Central Coast Campus, Professor Michael Bowyer said the exhibition provides a unique opportunity for the Central Coast community to come together and recognise new artistic talent.

“We are extremely proud to host the Coast Next Gen Art Exhibition for the third consecutive year. This exhibition is part of our commitment to the Central Coast schools and extends our efforts over the last 60 years to support our communities, provide access to higher education, and open the door to diverse career opportunities for all,” Professor Bowyer said.

“This exhibition has continued to grow with increased school and student participation across the Central Coast, showcasing an ever-expanding range of local talent and creativity.”

University of Newcastle Art Gallery Curator, Gillean Shaw noted that the dedication shown by teachers on the Coast has helped these HSC graduates thrive.

“This exhibition is one of the highlights of the year, to see the incredible talent of these young artists on the Coast is inspirational. The dedication shown by their teachers and the application of skill, care, creativity and raw talent is very exciting. It’s such a privilege to see this exhibition grow every year, and to be part of such a positive event in our community,” Ms Shaw said.

Bouddi Foundation of the Arts representative, Joanna O’Toole said that the foundation is proud to partner with the University and share the task of choosing winners.

“This exhibition holds such an amazing standard of artworks that showcase a wide range of mediums. Hats off to these creative young artists from the Central Coast, and to their teachers who have brought out the best in them,” Ms O’Toole said.

Congratulations to the winning artists:

• Christopher Rae from St Edwards College was awarded the Bouddi Foundation for the Arts Award for their artwork titled Security.
• Jesse Parry from Kincumber High School was awarded the University Art Collection Acquisitive Award for their artwork titled Borderland.
• Mikaela Eddy from Brisbane Waters Secondary College was awarded the Eckersley’s Highly Commended Award for their artwork titled Home for Eternity.
• Paige Whittaker from Kincumber High School was awarded the Eckersley’s Commended Award for their artwork titled A Subtle Illusion of Certainty.
• Emily Cui from Henry Kendall High School was awarded the Eckersley’s Commended Award for their artwork titled The Plates We Eat From.

_{Winning HSC artists L to R: Mikaela Eddy, Paige Whittaker, Jesse Parry, Emily Cui and Christopher Rae}

Visitors are encouraged to vote for the People’s Choice Award, which will be announced at the end of the exhibition.

^{Security by Christopher Rae}

^{Borderland by Jesse Parry}

^{Home for Eternity by Mikaela Eddy}

^{A Subtle Illusion of Certainty by Paige Whittaker}

^{The Plates We Eat From by Emily Cui}

Contact

• Elizabeth Olivier
• Email: media@newcastle.edu.au

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