Students In The News

Harper Watts’ 20,000-piece LEGO model now on display at the Australian Museum’s ‘Brickman Jurassic World Lego Show’

Year 10 student, Harper Watts, has been a huge fan of the Australian Museum for as long as she can remember. The 16-year-old responded to the COVID lockdown by merging her innate creativity with her love of science, creating her own Natural History Museum using more than 20,000 LEGO bricks. 

Harper’s incredible work was spotted by Liz Young, Creative Producer of Public Programmes at the Australian Museum and selected for display at the Brickman Up Late event running until 27th May as part of the Brickman Jurassic World Lego Show. 

“Harper’s work is so much more than just a model,” said Ms Young. “The narrative is extraordinary and the piece tells a detailed story of a busy day in a natural history museum including a gift shop selling merchandise, an Uber driver making a delivery and lots of behind-the-scenes museum activity,” she continued. “It really is an incredible piece of work and a testament to Harper’s artistic talent and passion for palaeontology.”

“Creativity is one of the four key capabilities we’re trying to grow here at Blue Mountains Grammar School,” said Acting Head of Visual Arts, Julie Hiam. “It’s inspiring to see the different ways our students channel their creative passions and the opportunities that arise as a result of talent and determination – even in the face of a global pandemic.”

“I really enjoyed creating this model and using pieces from different LEGO series”, said Harper. “I even used some of the owls from the Harry Potter LEGO series for the gift shop section of the model.” she continued. “I had a wonderful time at Brickman Up Late and it was fantastic to meet Ryan “The Brickman” McNaught and the Australian Museum’s Chief Scientist, Professor Kris Helgen. I’m so happy that they liked my work.”  

More information: https://australian.museum/event/late-night-lego-with-brickman

Mia's artwork wins People's Choice Award

Congratulations to Year 12 Visual Arts student Mia Underwood, who won the Student People's Choice Awards at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre’s Blue Mountains Portraits Exhibition. 

The exhibition is an annual celebration of the local community and its diverse members, and this year features ten of BMGS’ talented Visual Arts students: Mia Underwood (Year 12), Angus Herron (Year 11), Lily Van Der Poel (Year 10), Eva Passlow (Year 11), Josephine Hill (Year 11), Lily McKay (Year 11), Phoebe Hines (Year 11), Sophie Milsom (Year 10), Ellie Molla (Year 11) and Ana Swait (Year 11). 

Mayor Mark Greenhill presented Mia with the award for her triptych self-portrait, Intangible Thoughts. Congratulations, Mia, on this fantastic achievement!

Mrs Julie Hiam

Acting Head of Visual Arts