Visual Arts
Save the Date - "Faces of Koonung", Box Hill Community Arts Centre
We are excited and proud to announce that the Year 10 Photography class will be exhibiting their work at the Box Hill Community Arts Centre - showcasing their portraiture work titled Faces of Koonung. You are all invited to come and celebrate all their achievements.
Faces of Koonung is a photography exhibition showcasing the vibrant diversity within the Koonung community. In collaboration with an emerging local photography artist, Wilhelm Philipp, from the City of Whitehorse, this project captures the unique stories and identities of community members through portraiture and landscapes. This exhibition is more than a collection of portraits—it is a celebration of individuality, culture, and shared humanity. Faces of Koonung invites everyone to engage with the stories and experiences that make our community vibrant and dynamic
Exhibition dates 6 - 17 November
Opening Celebration 5 - 7 pm Friday 15 November
https://www.creativewhitehorse.vic.gov.au/whats-on/faces-koonung
Helen Briffa
Visual Arts Domain PLC Leader
Year 10/11 Art Excursion
In week 3 of term, the Year 11 Art Creative Practice, 10 2D Art and 10 3D Art students visited the NGV International to see works from the permanent collection.
Students undertook a self-guided tour around the gallery, viewing works from the Gothic period to now. They learnt about how artists develop concepts, how they create works and how works are impacted by cultural and historical contexts of the time.
Students then participated in a guided tour, with a focus on key works from the NGV’s collection, including Picasso’s Weeping Woman, Lee Ufan’s Dialogue, August Friedrich Schenck’s Anguish and Lee Krasner’s Combat. Discussions around ideas, political and social contexts, visual language and audience responses encouraged students to consider how they make art and what informs their practices.
Following the NGV, students made their way to Flinders Lane, viewing exhibitions within a variety of commercial and artist run spaces, such as Forty Five Downstairs, Anna Schwartz and Arc One. Students discussed, in their groups, how practising artists make works and how these pieces reflect current events and attitudes.
The students had a fantastic time on their art excursion, gaining valuable insights and inspiration for their own creative projects.
A big thank you to Ms Sens and Ms Lai for helping to organise and run the day’s activities.
Christopher Henson
Arts and Technology Teacher
Year 9 Urban Art
I wanted to share what a truly wonderful day we had on Thursday, October 31, 2024, during the Year 9 Urban Art class visit to the Heide Museum of Modern Art. The students engaged thoughtfully and respectfully, bringing such positivity and kindness to the experience.
They explored the diverse sculptures across Heide’s grounds and gained a deeper understanding of the meanings behind each piece, the materials and techniques used in their construction, and the significance of their context. The students' behaviour was outstanding throughout the day, and several guests at the café area even approached me to commend how beautifully they represented Koonung.
Thank you to Mr. Christopher Henson who accompanied all of us on the excursion.
Year 10 Photography
A Creative Journey at Heide: YR 10 Photography Excursion
This month, the Year 10 Photography class ventured to the Heide Museum of Modern Art for an inspiring day immersed in art and creativity. Students participated in a guided session exploring the Portraits of an Artist exhibition, perfectly aligned with their current studies on portraiture. Through the exhibit, they discovered the many ways a portrait can capture and express identity.
A personal highlight for me was encountering the work of Jon Campbell—an old primary school classmate of mine—captured by photographer Michel Lawrence in his artistic element, painting. It was a surreal moment seeing a familiar face celebrated within such a creative space.
Afterward, the students explored Heide's picturesque grounds, using the natural environment as inspiration for their composition assessment task. Despite the skies unleashing a torrential downpour, the students remained engaged, focused, and undeterred. Their positive attitude did not go unnoticed—Heide’s café and gallery staff complimented our students for their maturity, enthusiasm, and respectful behaviour throughout the day.
Well done, Year 10 Photography students! You represented KSC with pride and professionalism.
Thank you to Joyce Boa and Wilhelm Philipp for supporting myself and the class.
2024 Whitehorse Rotary Art Show & Competition
In October 2024, the annual Whitehorse Rotary Art Show & Competition lit up the community! Schools across the Whitehorse area showcased incredible works of art, competing for top honours in various categories—one of the most exciting being photography!
I'm thrilled to announce that many of my talented Year 10 Photography students participated, going head-to-head with other local secondary schools. And here’s the big news—Rennie Deutch from Year 10 took home the Secondary School Award for Best Photograph! His winning piece, titled "They have this one shirt that's $1000, 'cause the patterns are complicated," earned him not only recognition but also a $100 prize! 🎉📸
A massive shoutout to all the students who entered, your creativity and effort are inspiring. Well doneto Rennie on this incredible achievement! 🏆👏
Helen Briffa
2024 Visual Arts Domain PLC Leader
University Graduate Art Exhibitions
ArtEdVic invites art educators, students, and our broader community to celebrate the achievements of graduates enrolled in University Art courses. This year, we are thrilled to showcase the extraordinary talent emerging from many art institutions across Victoria. Our spotlight falls on the upcoming graduate exhibitions from RMIT University, Monash University, VCA/University of Melbourne and Federation University.
For further information about the exhibitions click on the following link: School of Art - RMIT University
These exhibitions serve as a testament to the dedication and creativity of the emerging artists and the art educators that supported them. These exhibitions provide a glimpse into the innovative and thought-provoking work that is shaping the future of the arts.
As a hub for art educators, ArtEdVic remains committed to providing relevant and up-to-date information, as well as advocating for the advancement of art education. Stay connected with ArtEdVic to be the first to know about the latest developments in the world of art education.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to renew your membership or become a member, and join us in supporting the next generation of artistic talent. Together, let's continue to foster a vibrant and thriving arts community.
Helen Briffa
Visual Arts / Technology Teacher
Visual Arts Domain PLC Leader