Benalla Art Gallery celebrated local art and design talent at its annual SHOWCASE exhibition, which featured students from across north-east Victoria.
From March 7 to March 23, the Bennett Gallery invited the wider public to enjoy and appreciate the diverse artworks on display.
The exhibition provided 2024 students from across the region an opportunity to see their works move from the classroom and into a public art space.
The SHOWCASE exhibition offered invaluable insight for 2025 students, providing a glimpse into the possibilities of their chosen art and design subjects.
Folios containing the creative processes of students were available for visitors to understand the concepts and developments of the artworks featured.
“The SHOWCASE exhibition is a chance for Year 12 students to experience what it’s like to exhibit their work in a gallery,” Benalla Art Gallery education and public program curator Fleur Rendell said.
“I think it’s easy to feel a little put off from the creative industry and creative arts because it seems like an uncertain vocation, or an uncertain way to make a living, but there are many types of creative jobs in the arts industry, as well as being an artist.”
“So I would encourage people, if it suits your nature, I reckon, go with it. Embrace it.”
Meiya Milligan-Brown, a former student from FCJ College, recalls her experience studying Art and Design during VCE.
“Hearing that it was going to be displayed in a public space was very exciting,” Ms Milligan-Brown said.
“It was an opportunity for me and other young artists who wanted to display in a public space without having to go through the long process of being in an art gallery like in Melbourne... it can be here.”
“I also just want to say thank you, first to my art teacher.
“She provided all of the students with the opportunity of applying to the art gallery to be exhibited in the VCE exhibition and supporting us along the way and helping us when we needed it, and basically giving (us) every resource she could.”
“And my parents, obviously, because I love them so much, and they are always supportive.”