Heathdale Christian College’s Melton campus celebrated its 10th anniversary in style, hosting a special exhibition night.
The school’s gallery space was decked out with portraits of the teachers by year 11 students.
Organised by art teacher Hannah Cutter, the exhibition was inspired by the Archibald Prize, a prestigious national art award.
Ms Cutter said that while took some time for students to warm up to the project.
“The students were shocked at first to find out that they would be following the process of such an award,” she said.
“They were quite daunted and scared, but once they started working on their pieces, they embraced it.”
Ms Cutter said the success of the occasion instilled a noticeable sense of pride in the students, who were joined by staff, families, and community leaders.
“They loved the formality of seeing their work framed and displayed in the gallery, with their artist statement next to it,” she said.
“This current cohort has really lent itself to the studio feel and working together, which is what makes it so special.”
Principal Iain Belot said the evening served as a reminder of the power that art has to unite people, which was evident in not only the artwork but the relationships fostered between artist and subject.
“Opportunities like this draw people into the heart of the school and the heart of the community,” he said.
“They empower people to build connections through conversation and learn about others through the eyes of our talented students, who have captured the personhood of the teachers they have painted.”
Eddie Russell
