Art News

Art Beyond the Classroom

Celebrating Creative Pathways

Last Friday, the Geelong Senior Secondary Art Teachers Network came together for a vibrant exhibition opening at Hoop Gallery in Torquay, celebrating the creativity and creative practice of art teachers from across the region.

It was fantastic to see teachers step out of the classroom and into the gallery, sharing their own artwork and reminding us to keep making, experimenting and learning! The diverse exhibition provides an opportunity to celebrate and be inspired by fellow educators and includes works by Oberon High’s own Nicole Mitchell and Sue-Anne McCarthy.

The event is also a reminder that what we do in the art classroom as art educators can open doors beyond school. The skills students develop through making, designing, experimenting, and communicating ideas can become launchpads for future pathways—not just in the arts, but across diverse careers and disciplines.

A highlight was seeing the work of past students Grace McConachy and Leah Dellar and catching up with them to hear where their journeys have taken them since graduation in 2024. Grace is now studying Graphic Design at RMIT, while Leah is studying Environmental Science at Deakin University, and both continue to make art alongside their studies. Their pathways demonstrate how curiosity, creativity and critical thinking developed through the Visual Arts can travel with you long after you leave the classroom.

It was also wonderful to connect with other students, families and colleagues and to celebrate the wonderful creative community that exists across our schools and our region. The exhibition continues until August 30—drop by Hoop Gallery and show your support! 

-Nicole Mitchell

Visual Arts teacher