It was an under-the-sea spectacular at Gippsland Grammar’s Bairnsdale Campus in the final week of term three for the campus’s biennial art show.
Neon fish and fluorescent sea horses filled the art room and library, which were illuminated by special lights that made the underwater scene look like it could be visible from space.
Bairnsdale art teacher Liz McConchie and every student from ELC to year six worked hard throughout the year to curate the show, which had Head of Campus Virginia Evans lost for words at the results.
“I was literally speechless when I saw it,” Ms Evans confirmed.
“And then all I could say was ‘spectacular’. It was just spectacular.”
Families were invited to the opening night, which included dinner from local pizza truck ‘The Local’, before the doors were opened to the main event.
The exhibition was then open to the public for two days in the final week of term.
“As soon as we opened the doors there was such a rush,” Ms Evans said.
“The students just couldn’t wait to see it for themselves.”
For inspiration, the students enjoyed an excursion to the Annemieke Mein exhibition at Sale’s Gippsland Art Gallery, visited the Leonardo DaVinci exhibition at Lume in Melbourne and studied the work of children’s author and illustrator Eric Carle.
Years four-six students also decorated 50 wooden Adelie penguins as a contribution to a project at the Australian Antarctic Festival in Hobart, which were then also able to be display at the Art Show.
“Liz (McConchie) has just lived and breathed this for the last two terms,” Ms Evans said.
“She had a vision and she absolutely made it come true. Our students are just so lucky to have an art teacher who has supported them to create such a beautiful exhibition.”
On Wednesday (September 18) the students invited their neighbours from the Clifton Waters Retirement Village for a special viewing of their work followed by a morning tea.
Year two students hosted the special guests, wo were wowed by the quality of the art on display.
“But perhaps most of all, our neighbours enjoyed the discussions and interactions with the students who guided them through the exhibition, explaining the techniques and materials with such confidence and enthusiasm,” Ms Evans said.
