Arts

Senior Arts Enrichment Tour – Sydney & Blue Mountains 2026

Thirty Senior Arts students recently returned from an inspiring five day enrichment tour to Sydney and the Blue Mountains, held from 12–16 March. The program offered a rich blend of visual arts experiences, cultural exploration, and immersion in natural landscapes.

The tour began at the Art Gallery of NSW, where students explored the ARTEXPRESS exhibition and participated in a hands on creative workshop.

Friday delivered one of the major highlights of the trip—a behind the scenes tour of the Sydney Opera House. Students then enjoyed a tranquil afternoon at the Chinese Garden of Friendship, engaging in a traditional ink brush calligraphy workshop led by an esteemed artist. The day concluded with a live performance at the Ensemble Theatre and a memorable evening walk across the Harbour Bridge.

Saturday focused on wildlife observation and artistic practice at Taronga Zoo. Students travelled by ferry, then spent the day sketching animals, photographing habitats, and attending the Seals for the Wild and Free Flight Birds presentations. After dinner at Darling Harbour, the group enjoyed a spectacular fireworks display over the harbour.

On Sunday, the group travelled to the Blue Mountains via charter coach. At Scenic World, students experienced the Skyway and Railway, explored forest walking trails, and some continued on to visit the peaceful Katoomba Falls.

The final day featured a return visit to the Art Gallery of NSW for an artist talk on the work of Ron Mueck. The tour concluded with a relaxed picnic lunch and sketching session in the Royal Botanic Gardens—an opportunity for reflection and creative expression.

A huge thank you to attending staff, Lisa Foote and Jamie Lyons, for their guidance and support throughout this enriching arts experience.

Life Drawing Opportunity for Senior Students and Staff 2026

The Arts KLA is pleased to announce that Eltham High School has again partnered with Nyora Studio Gallery to offer our senior Arts students in Years 10, 11 & 12 and interested staff the chance to participate in life drawing sessions under the tutelage of local artist Emmy Mavroidis.

This is an excellent enrichment opportunity for students hoping to build their artistic practice and folio. VCE students who are exploring themes around the human figure or are serious about their practice should seriously consider this possibility.

Experience in life drawing for students considering further studies in the visual arts is well regarded by tertiary institutions.

Sessions will run in 6-week blocks at Nyora Studio Gallery, Nyora Road, Eltham on Mondays 5:00 - 7:00pm or Wednesdays 4:00 - 6:00pm.

The cost is $240 which includes hire of models, tutelage and art materials for the six weeks. Places are limited to 10.

Students will need to arrange their own transport to and from the venue.

Students and staff should register their interest asap - no later than Monday 20 April via email to Emma Shelton – emma.shelton@education.vic.gov.au stating your preferred day.

Mondays 5:00 - 7:00pm

• April 27
• May 4
• May 11
• May 18
• May 25
• June 1

Wednesdays 4:00 - 6:00pm

• April 29
• May 6
• May 13
• May 20
• May 27
• June 3

For further details please contact Emma Shelton emma.shelton@education.vic.gov.au

Creative Minds Exhibition

Congratulations to the EHS Year 12 students whose artwork was selected and exhibited at the Creative Minds Exhibition in the Eltham Community Gallery. The exhibition will be available to view until 29 March.

EMMA SHELTON, Arts KLA Leader