Road to success

By Kath Gannaway
TALENTED student artist Caragh Delpol has snared a year-long exhibition space for her work.
Caragh, a student of Upper Yarra Community House’s Step Ahead program, won a competition to design the cover of the 2008 Warburton Highway Directory.
The directory of businesses and community organisations is put together by Healesville businesswoman Robbie Schuurman.
Ms Schuurman said she was impressed by Caragh’s initiative and talent.
“Her use of photos taken by her meant the design was all her own work,” she said. “She showed lots of initiative in showcasing some of Warburton’s beauty.”
Caragh said while her main interest is in drawing and painting, she enjoyed the challenges of photography.
Warburton graphic designer Jed Mahoney assisted Caragh with the finer points of manipulating the photographs for the finished product and she was also helped through the process by her tutor, Ian Beaver.
UYCH manager of youth education and training Rebecca Halit said Ms Schuurman had provided a fantastic opportunity to local students.
“It is these types of partnerships which need to be encouraged in our local community between educational providers and local businesses,” she said.
Mr Beaver said the Step Ahead Program provided an alternative for students 16 years old and under who prefer a hands-on learning program.
“It is extremely important to have this sort of recognition,” he said of Caragh’s success.
Caragh received a $250 prize – and enormous exposure of her work to in households and businesses all along the Warburton Highway.