The Arts - Visual

PoPArts Committee

Last Monday, 16th February, our wonderful PoPArts Committee met for the first time in 2026, and they are ready for another year supporting of fantastic Arts programs here at the high school. New members are always welcome - please reach out to the secretary, Steve Williams, to find out how you can be involved: secretary@poparts.tgshspandc.org.au

Term Update

It has been a very creative start to the year for our Visual Art classes, in both curriculum and extension programs. 

Year 11 Senior Art students worked with our artist-in-residence, Sophie Munns who highlighted the importance of seed research and the significance of biodiversity and preservation – ‘seeds at first glance are small, simple objects that are unique and individual, offering the observer inspiring shapes, lines and patterns’. 

The Year 7 Visual Art Studio Excellence class were also introduced to Sophie’s art practice in their first session for the year, using sticks and ink to explore mark-making and observation drawing processes. The Year 7 extension class is now working with our local artist, Kathy Sullivan with the focus of ‘applying graphite sensitivity to the quality of line in drawing’. 

Visual Art Studio class on Friday afterschool commenced last week with artist Kim Price introducing students to ‘Composition and the art of collage’. Students started experimenting, guided by Kim’s mastery in this fine art form. 

Grandstand Mural

We are thrilled to welcome back the incredible mural artist Joel Fergie (The Zookeeper) and his colleague Jordan Bruce (Brightsiders) as they commence work on our latest school mural project - the Oval Grandstand.

Joel and Jordan have been working closely with our Year 12 Visual Arts in Practice students on the design of this artwork and started work on Monday bringing it to life.

From the Artists:

The Concept 

Drawing from VAP student designs, this artwork is a celebration of school identity and shared values. Flowing gum leaves across the lower steps symbolise growth, resilience, and connection, transitioning through the school’s house colours to represent a common foundation for all students. The core values ’Thinking Big’, ‘Stepping Up’, ‘Being Kind’ and ‘Paying It Forward’ are subtly integrated and layered through the eucalyptus foliage, reinforcing these ideas as guiding principles within the school. At the top of the grandstand, the house names and mascots honour influential Australian figures whose lives reflect leadership, courage, compassion, and service. While the house system creates individual identity and friendly competition, the mural emphasizes unity. The continuous movement of the gum leaves visually links the lower steps to the houses above, reminding students that despite different house affiliations, they are connected by shared values and a collective school culture.

Watch this space for updates on how the mural is progressing and feel free to take a look for yourself from the path along the creek over the next few weeks.

Cyanotype Workshops

Studio program for adults and students.

Renata Buziak will be running the following workshops:

• Introductory cyanotype workshop on Saturday 14 March 2026
• Advanced cyanotype workshop on Saturday 2 May 2026

Bookings: https://renatabuziak.com/store/Cyanotype-Workshops-c174796786

Direct contact for updates: renata@renatabuziak.com

Watch Renate's Earth Prints, a short documentary about her art and research - https://youtu.be/l7nsS_ixCFo?si=CK_9-DNp77Y5221S