THE ARTS LEARNING AREA
With the end of 2024 fast approaching, our Performing and Visual Arts students and staff busy finalised their creative ventures from the variety of programs we offer in The Arts at St Joseph’s College.
Our VCE Music students performed their final exam performance pieces to a spellbound audience at the Mercy Theatre on Tuesday 20 August. Brandon Blake, Isaac Circosta, Chase Davy, Cooper Rawlinson, Ivan Wan and Rose MacAlister were all stunning in their individual repertoires, and for the finale of the evening the students came together as the VCE Band.
The Performing Arts Showcase on Thursday 24 October saw approximately 100 Dance, Music and Drama students coming together to create a jam-packed two-hour show. The variety of compositions and skills was a wonderful showcase of works created by our students in 2024. Nearly 300 guests were entertained by our Year 7 and 8 Specialist Music students, VCE Drama monologues, Years 9 to 12 individual, trio and bands as well as our Year 9 Dance troupe and highly skilled VCE dancers.
Our Year 8 Art students have been working hard on some individual and collaborative art projects in Term 3 and Term 4. From drawing, etching and VCD, students have been introduced to a variety of skills. The collaborative murals students have been completing have been a stand-out. Designed and facilitated by Miss Andy Higgins and taught by Mrs Ceara Kearney, the themes of diversity, inclusion and the environment have been portrayed in large, bright and eye-catching pieces. The students have thoroughly enjoyed working outside the classroom and participating in working together on these stunning works.
Approximately 46 students have completed Year 9 Art in Semester 2. The students have honed their skills in drawing and used these to aid their creative practices. Surreal Landscape Paintings taught the students about composition and colour theory, but by far the favourite tasks have been related to sculpture. Students were introduced to three-dimensional techniques and have made pinch pots, coil pots, ceramic houses (which light up with a tea-light) and Modroc sculptures. The lengthy process of using clay, bisque firing, glazing and then firing again to complete the works kept the students (and teachers!) busy for weeks. The amazing sculptural works created by the students are definitely some of the best things I have seen created in Art this year.
Year 9 Visual Communication Design has students thinking about the spaces we live in and the suitability of the environments and products we create. From poster designs to cross-pollination of products and packaging, students have been introduced to ‘Design Thinking’ and how it can improve the world we live in.
Year 9 Media students this year have created news reports on relevant stories using their planning and filming skills to present points of view from student groups in class and the community. Stories include the Carpenters Classic, the Olympics and local sports.
On Thursday 14 November, the St Joseph’s College VCE Visual Arts students exhibited their final works at NAP Contemporary Art Gallery, the new Arts Mildura space. Two Unit 3/4 Art Creative Practice students and six Unit 3/4 Visual Communication Design students displayed their final pieces at a very professional and well-received evening. Guests were left contemplating the design of future spaces, the impact of social media on our children, and the lifelong consequences of PTSD.
Lana Copley has made these lovely ceramic bowls using a potter's wheel as part of her work in Unit 2 Art Creative Practice. The beautiful, yet understated colours she has used, combined with her attention to detail and excellent technique, elevate and distinguish these charming pieces. Lana intends to give them as gifts, and whoever receives them will feel very lucky, indeed. Well done, Lana.
Congratulations to all our talented Arts students! Your enthusiasm and creativity have transformed the college into a vibrant and exciting place to be.
Congratulations to all our Performing and Visual Arts staff who put in an enormous amount of time and effort in nurturing the St Joseph’s College students in the vast areas of The Arts.
Miss Andy Higgins
The Arts Learning Area Facilitator