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Foreshore Art Exhibition
On 29 August the Headmaster opened a very special art exhibition – the Foreshore Art Exhibition - hosted by Artist-in-Residence, Rowena Keall Walsh, Prep School Art teacher, Mrs Claire Donald and the Year 4 boys.
The project, which was initiated by Claire and funded by the Parents’ Association, saw Rowena work with the boys to give them first-hand experience of what it is like working with a professional artist. The influence of her skill, talent and ability was evident in the quality of the boys’ work.
Mr Wynne told the boys that their art was absolutely beautiful and that they must feel very proud to see their work hung in ‘a real gallery’. The sheer delight on their faces as they showed their paintings to their parents was wonderful to observe.
Rowena said she was very impressed with their work. “It was great for the boys to see my technique as it gives them a different experience of art – hopefully that will lean toward a life experience.”
Rowena is a painter concerned with exploring urban and rural spaces. Through a series of workshops, she demonstrated her distinct style and technique of acrylic paints on stretched canvas. The boys’ work was motivated by native flora from a series of drawings they did on the river.
“My work has a strong nature and conservation base,” said Rowena. “I wanted the boys to appreciate the flora that is growing in the area around them. All the plants in each painting are native to Australia.”
Rowena said she enjoys guiding the boys’ learning process.
“It was at times challenging,” she said. “The boys were very spur of the moment and spontaneous in their choices. I had to encourage them to work not only effectively, but quickly – the quicker the strokes, the better the work.”
Claire Donald said the boys gained so much from the experience.
“The boys loved it,” she said. “They were very inspired by Rowena. It was a privilege for them to learn from such an excellent artist.”
“The range of work was so impressive but the quality was outstanding. It is the quality of work of which I am most proud.”
The boys worked extremely hard and relished the chance to paint on canvas – many for the first time.
“I have enjoyed this project because it will help me in years to come,” said one student. “I would do it again and again because it was so much fun.”
Rowena and Claire were most appreciative of the expert guidance they received from Archivist, Freida French in hanging the exhibition. The Exhibition will form part of the art display for the Week of the Arts (10-14 September) and Open Day (14 September).