‘Express Yourself’ - Art Show 2016
Last Thursday night our school community gathered together for the annual Art Show. This year’s theme ‘Express Yourself’ has been a focus for students to engage in their creativity, and an opportunity to learn new art skills and techniques. The students have explored many artists who worked in the Expressionist style. Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Edvard Munch, Derain, Wassily Kandinsky and the Fauvists are some examples of artists, from which inspiration was derived.
Senior School students responded to Pablo Picasso’s paintings, ‘Guernica and Weeping Woman’ to create sculptures in clay, which were sensitive to Picasso’s protest of the Spanish Civil War.
Middle School students embarked on an exploration of art and culture, taking inspiration from the totem poles of the North American Indians. The students’ interpretation of this theme was wonderfully imaginative and creative in three-dimensional form, using Papier Mache.
The Junior School explored art work created by Australian aboriginals, both traditional and modern examples were discussed and shown. The students were inspired by the pictorial symbols of the aboriginal language, and storytelling through their Dreamtime. The students created beautifully composed and colourful abstract art works in response to this theme.
The aim of this year long exploration, has been to gain an understanding of how art can be an effective means to engage with an audience, to express an emotion or point of view; and also a way to record stories of history, and a link to time and place.
Self-expression in the Visual Arts is like a finger print, unique and individual. Every students’ interpretation of each project clearly demonstrates a rich diversity of outcomes, when displayed for an audience. The Art Show celebrates each child’s point of view and is highly valued and encouraged in art classes.
Alongside the art display the Choir confidently performed the song, ‘Unwritten’ with Ms Crystal conducting, while the music ensemble entertained us all. Mrs Whitfield’s creative cup cake decorating activity was enjoyed by everyone, as was the Kitchen stall with delicious slices for sale. The ever popular sausage sizzle, and jelly & popcorn stall, was run by parents, teachers and students, a great team effort, and much appreciated by the crowd.
There are many to thank for their efforts. The Visual Arts captains Maggie Nhu & Yulu Zhao, together with the Student Art Show committee, Bianca, Angelica, Vaishnavi, Simran, Lucy and Yuxuan who worked tirelessly preparing for the art show over the last two terms.
Thanks to the ‘can do’ set up crew, Seta, Daughn & Tom, in helping transform the gym into an exhibition space in two short days. A big call out to teachers, kindergarten & integration staff for their enthusiasm to help, and to Mrs Millen for all the jobs behind the scenes. Thanks to Mrs Fahye for her coordination of the BBQ and the parents and staff who helped run it. A special mention and a HUGE THANK YOU to the parent volunteers, Carly Hall and her green army, Stella Hewson and her team for the Popcorn, Jelly and cake decorating. A fantastic effort all round!
A very special thank you to Mrs Volz, our official photographer for the night. She has captured many special moments with a keen sense of composition in her photos. A photo display will be made outside the Art room in the coming weeks, so please drop by and take a look.
Finally a sincere thank you to Mrs. Wood for her ongoing support of the Art Show and to local M.P. Neil Angus for taking time out of his busy schedule to attend.
I look forward to when our school community comes together again for the next Art Show in an atmosphere of goodwill and celebration.
'Culture' - Art Show 2015
Last Thursday night our school community gathered together for the third annual Art Show, this year’s theme being ‘Culture’. It was thrilling to see such a fantastic turnout and the many smiling faces on the night. It is such a positive experience for our students to present their work in a group exhibition, and to share with family members the results of their creative efforts. This year’s exhibition culminated in a yearlong exploration of many different and varied cultures. What be-came very clear during the year was the importance of cultural traditions, in forming a sense of identity and belonging within a community. Students have had a meaningful year of learning which I hope has planted the seeds for a curiosity of cultures. The message we can take home is positive; We are all unique, all different, and all with something to contribute… It is this diversity that makes for rich and meaningful experiences; and when embraced we discover understanding and empathy. This year saw the Specialist Teachers present some wonderful additions to the show, Ms Webb’s ‘Flash Mob’ nearly brought the house down with a spontaneous dance performance in the crowd… Ms Ralph’s musical minstrels performed skilfully on ukuleles and recorders, Mr Rhyder’s large screen video of the many varied programs he runs for the students was in-formative and inspiring. The Choir was melodic and performed beautifully under the guidance of Mrs Whiteoak and Ms Crystal. Mrs Whitfield’s ‘Culture’ inspired cake stall of Van Gogh sunflower biscuits and Mayan Chilli Chocolate brownies were delicious and a sell out! The ever popular sausage sizzle, and jelly & popcorn stall, were run by parents, teachers and students, a great team effort, and much appreciated by the crowd. Special thanks to the Art Captains, Lesedi, Zoe, Mikayla and Towa; and the student Art Show committee who dedicated lunchtimes to help prepare for the exhibition. Thank you to all staff and parents who helped in the lead-up and on the night, congratulations on a fabulous effort. A very special thank you to Mrs Bek Volz, our official photographer on the night. She has captured many special moments with a keen sense of composition in the photos. A photo display will be made outside the Art room this week so please drop by and take a look. I look forward to when our school community comes together again at next year’s Art Show in an atmosphere of goodwill and celebration.
'Australia' - Art Show 2014
On Thursday 16th October we saw the launch of ‘Art Show Australia’. This year’s exhibition has culminated in a year long exploration on aspects of Australian art and history in the Visual Arts. Students from all year levels explored Australian themes including Indigenous art, botanical drawings of native flora and fauna by artist Sydney Parkinson aboard The Endeavour; Frederick McCubbin and his painting, ‘The Lost Child’; the work of artist Margaret Preston and her images of native wildflowers and the Sydney Harbour Bridge; the iconic Ned Kelly paintings by Sidney Nolan and Australian author and illustrator Shaun Tan. Students have enthusiastically participated in varied projects including drawing, painting, printmaking, collage and ceramics.
Every student from Kindergarten to Year 6 had work represented in the exhibition – approximately 900 pieces in total. I would like to congratulate the creative students of BHPS and the high standard of art-work they have created this year and for their ongoing enthusiasm of the Visual Arts.
The Visual Arts is a positive way for students to express their thoughts and feelings. It enables students to imagine and arrive at their own unique solutions to set tasks and experience the joy and discovery of creativity. This was demonstrated in the vast selection of artwork on display.
The night began with a welcome to the school community from Mrs Wood. This was followed by animated responses from Anna Burke, Federal Member of Parliament and local Member of Parliament, Mr Neil Angus. The Choir sang Australian inspired songs, ‘My Island Home & a rousing rendition of Waltzing Matilda’. Students and parents alike engaged in the ‘Art Quiz’ and the correct drawn entry was awarded to Frances from Level 3, congratulations! The dress up competition was a hit with many creative outfits inspired by the theme, Australia. Mrs Culvenor and Corrine had a challenging time judging most creative dress up! Congratulations to our winners and the wonderful effort that went into creating the costumes.
There was food aplenty with the Lions club sausage sizzle, jelly cups, and popcorn. Mrs Whitfield’s Australian inspired cake stall of pumpkin scones and oversized Anzac biscuits were simply delicious! It was fantastic to be part of such an enthusiastic crowd and the warm and engaging atmosphere on the night. The evening was attended by many parents, students, teachers and the wider school community.
Special thanks to the student Art Show committee who dedicated many lunchtimes to help prepare for the exhibition. Thank you to all staff and parents who helped in the lead-up and on the night of the exhibition and to Mrs Robyn Bell for her behind the scenes organisation. My gratitude and thanks to Mrs Wood who encouraged and supported the event, especially with the absence of a sponsor. I look forward to when our school community comes together again at the Arts Show in an atmosphere of goodwill and engagement.
More pictures
'Imagine' - Art Show
Strathdon Community Art Show
The organisers of the exhibition had gathered a vast array of art works, of which seventy five pieces were from Burwood Heights Primary School. The art work exhibited was of a very high standard and of varied techniques including painting, drawing, printing, textiles and collage. Our students did extremely well with prizes awarded in the Year Five/Six category to Lachlan and Yuying for their relief prints depicting the Melbourne CBD. Towa and Bobby were awarded prizes in the Year Three/Four category for their John Brack inspired prints of ‘5pm Collins Street’. Congratulations to the winning students and to all students who participated in the event. It was great to see so many of our students and their families attend the art exhibition.
Posters For Peace - Lions Art Competition
The Lions Club of Forest Hill has been working with the Visual Arts Department at Burwood Heights Primary School to encourage students to participate in the international ‘Peace Poster Contest’. Each student’s task was to design a poster with the theme “Imagine Peace”. This theme was illustrated in a style unique to each student to convey their personal message of peace.
The art room has been a flurry of activity during lunchtimes and some extra allocated class time to design, create and make the posters. All participants are congratulated for the high standard of finished artwork and the overwhelming enthusiasm and dedication to the project. It has been a real pleasure and delight to facilitate this opportunity for each student represented.
A school panel has had the extremely difficult task of choosing a winner who will go on to represent the local Lions Club district, as the competition goes to the next level.
The competition winner has been awarded to Lily for her poster displaying people of many cultures and significant icons from around the globe in an artwork that clearly communicates Lily’s wonderful view of world peace.
Lily’s quote for peace “If a soldier stands for justice, we should all stand for worldwide peace within our hearts”.
A big congratulation to Lily for her outstanding entry and from all at Burwood Heights Primary School we wish her well in the next level of the competition.
On Friday 10th of August the Strathdon Community Centre held its annual art exhibition and fund raising event displaying the work of student artists from schools in the local area. The organisers of the exhibition had gathered over 450 art works, 100 of which were from Burwood Heights Primary School. The artwork exhibited was of a very high standard and of varied techniques including painting, drawing, printing, textiles, collage and photos of Three Dimensional sculpture. Our students did extremely well with prizes awarded for a Monet inspired landscape painting, a self portrait titled ‘Tattoo You” and a Rainbow Serpent Design inspired by the stories of the Australian Aboriginals. Congratulations to the winning students and to all students who participated in the event. It was great to see so many of our students and their families attend the art exhibition.