The 2019 Young Artists Perspective exhibition has been officially opened at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, displaying the creative talent from students at a number of local high schools.
Presented in partnership with Doral Mineral Sands, the showcase gives students the opportunity to work with professional artists with a series of collaborative works a special feature of this year's exhibition.
An annual event since 1998, it also serves to support local young artists to develop their creative skills, artistic perspective, conceptual ideas and presentation skills in a highly professional gallery exhibition space.
The Young Artists Perspective exhibition was officially opened on Friday, September 6 with a special performance from Riptide Youth theatre group.
A number of prizes were also handed out to young artists to created artworks using a range of mediums and techniques including painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography and digital-media.
This year's program encouraged students to express their ambitions and apprehensions in relation to their future and that of society and highlight contemporary cultural and social issues affecting youth.
Young Artists Perspective 2019 highly commended:
- Hannah Inwood from Mandurah Baptist College
- Tahlia Webb from Mandurah Catholic College
- Tahlia Mackie from John Tonkin College
- Shayne Wells from Halls Head Community College
- Brittney Vasich from Coodanup College
- Leyton Hall from Pinjarra Senior High School
- Jayme Dunkley from Living Waters Lutheran College
- Talysha Edwards from Byford Secondary College
MPAC art gallery curator Gary Aitken said this year's standard of work was the highest it had ever been.
"We have been running the Young Artists Perspectives for two decades now and the program has evolved to serve our community," he said.
"After Doral took over MZI Resources, they have maintained their sponsorship which has made this project possible and we are looking forward to furthering our work with them to nurture the creative talents of our Young Artists.
"Now more than ever, in this online world, it's important for young people to develop a creative outlet for themselves."
Doral Mineral Sands corporate affairs manager Jordeana Cain echoed Mr Aitken's sentiment of the high quality of art in 2019.
"The depth of talent and quality of artwork produced by students at this year's exhibition was outstanding including some really interesting collaborative works," she said.
"As a major sponsor of the Young Artists Perspective, Doral is pleased to continue its regional art support and acknowledges the team at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre in coordinating this initiative."
Artists in the 2019 residency program:
- Trudi Whitcher from Mandurah Baptist College- mixed media
- Patricia Hines from Pinjarra Senior High School - print making
- James Walker from Halls Head College - mixed media
- Amanda Harrington from Mandurah Catholic College - photography
- Paul Fleetham from Coodanup College - mixed media
- Lee Kennedy from Living Waters Lutheran College - multi media
- Leon Holmes from Byford Secondary college - painting
The exhibition at Mandurah Performing Arts Centre will remain open to the public until Sunday, October 6. Votes will be also open until then for the People's Choice Award.
The gallery is open from 9am-4.30pm Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm on Saturday and 12-4pm on Sunday.