Shepparton Art Museum has given way to a gold rush of talent as local youths take over the Community Gallery for SAM Fresh 2024.
SAM Fresh is an annual collaborative exhibition for young creatives aged 16 to 25 living, working or studying in the Goulburn Valley and Hume regions.
This year, 20 emerging artists dared to respond to the call and submit their artwork for inclusion.
Who were the chosen ones?
Well, why pick when you can have them all?
“We’re delighted to be exhibiting all the artworks that were submitted this year,” SAM curator for community Caroline Esbenshade said.
One of the selected artists, former Notre Dame Secondary College student Gabriella Vittorio, is no stranger to having her art hung on a gallery wall.
From a pool of 1200 applicants in Victoria, the young prodigy was selected to be featured in Top Arts 2024 at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV in March.
Joining Ms Vittorio in the SAM Fresh 2024 exhibition are Maria Abblitt, Mya Bathman, Kody Bothwell, Ketiah Bwihambi, Leah Doyle, Grace Garner, Georgie Giustino, Kristi Hardman, Lily Leys, Ashleigh Molisak, Kat Parker, Joy Parnell, Anika Robinson, Lehansa Samaranayake, Oriana Teasdale, Katelyn Trevaskis, Brin Vesty, Neiki Vesty, and Ruby Wyatt-Carter.
The collection fluidly traverses painting, ceramics, fibre and textile arts, and film, with each prime piece a stand-out in its own right.
However, many artists were particularly drawn to themes that addressed cultural and social issues.
“It’s always exciting to see what the region’s next generation of artists are exploring in their creative practices, and while some entries share common themes, the artworks are all incredibly diverse and individual,” Ms Esbenshade said.
According to SAM, exhibitions like this have strong support from the community, generating a sense of pride and discovery.
“We look forward to hearing the rich conversations that will emerge when people experience this show,” Ms Esbenshade said.
SAM Fresh 2024 will be displayed in the Hugh D.T. Williamson Community Gallery at Shepparton Art Museum, 530 Wyndham St, Shepparton, from May 11 to August 11.
The exhibition is open to the public.