Visual Arts Faculty

From the Co-ordinator of Visual Arts

Welcome back to all our budding young artists. The Visual Arts team is thrilled to support you as you explore new ideas and create imaginative, meaningful artworks throughout the year. We are also delighted to welcome two new staff members, Ms Blundell and Ms Mooney. We know our community will make them feel very welcome.

Young Archie Portrait Competition

Students are warmly encouraged to enter the Young Archie competition by creating a portrait of someone who holds personal significance. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills, challenge yourself, and share your creativity with a wider audience. More information is available on the Art Gallery of NSW website. Enter the Young Archie 2026 | Art Gallery of NSW

We are incredibly proud of Josie, one of our former students, who was a finalist in the 2024 Young Archies and there’s no reason you couldn’t be next.

In her artist statement, Josie reflects on her portrait subject, Phil her godfather describing him as a constant source of calm and positivity. With Wiradjuri and Irish heritage, Phil has led an extraordinary life as an artist, intensive care paramedic, and, most recently, a PhD graduate in Aboriginal Child Health Education at age 81. His encouragement has inspired Josie to embrace her individuality, learn from challenges, and grow as an artist.

Entry Information

• Entry forms must be submitted online they cannot be posted or emailed.
• No image is uploaded during the online submission. 
• After completing the online form, the original artwork must be mailed or delivered to the Art Gallery of NSW, along with a printed copy of the completed form signed by a parent or guardian.
• There is no entry fee.

Send artwork to:

Young Archie competition

Art Gallery of New South Wales

Art Gallery Road

Sydney NSW 2000

Artwork must arrive before 2 March 2026, 5pm.

The competition is open to all students aged 5 to 18, across both Junior and Senior Schools.

If you would like help or guidance, please see Ms Wenman on Monday lunchtimes in M124 in the Visual Arts Department. We can’t wait to see your wonderful entries and the stories you choose to tell through your art.

On another exciting note, Jay Cook (Alumni 2025) will be showcasing her HSC Visual Arts Body of Work in the Manly Gallery ‘Out Front Exhibition’. This exhibition features a curated selection of outstanding HSC artworks from 21 schools across the Northern Beaches, highlighting contemporary themes that matter deeply to young people today, expressed through a wide range of Expressive forms. The exhibition opens on Friday 20 February, 6–8pm and will run from 20 February to 5 April. Be sure to visit, show your support, and cast your vote in the People’s Choice Awards.