By Tanya Steele
A collection of multi-disciplinary works by 30 recent VCE art graduates from schools throughout the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges is set to take centre stage at the 2025 Creative Showcase at the Burrinja Gallery in Upwey in early May.
Providing a platform for new voices and perspectives, the exhibition includes Emerald Secondary College, Lilydale High School, Little Yarra Steiner School, Mater Christi College, Monbulk College, Upwey High School and others.
The exhibit celebrates the region’s most promising emerging visual artists and will launch on Friday 2 May at 6pm.
Former graduated art students are given the chance to show their work professionally and work with a curator, taking the next steps in their early careers.
Burrinja Community Visual Arts Producer CJ Baxter said the exhibition also gives other art students a glimpse into what’s possible.
“It’s also a way for current students to be able to see what’s possible and to feel inspired about what they can potentially create for their VCE,” said CJ.
CJ said they would invite any level of artist to come along and be inspired by what’s on show.
“Come and see what young people are saying, what they are capable of,” she said.
The exhibition offers a thoughtful and articulate display of what young artists are up to, and CJ said she has found it deeply moving.
“Young people have unique things to be saying right now – this is their future,” she said.
From themes like sexual violence, body image and the degradation of the environment, CJ said working with the group of young artists to bring together the display has been quite emotional.
“It’s so important in an art context to be able to just stop, listen and look and respect what respect their perspectives,” she said.
The curation will feature a range of media from sculptures, to photography, light and electricity – there are even some sculptures with dynamic moving elements.
“There was such an interesting and diverse range of work and different mediums,” said CJ.
The official launch on 2 May and promises an evening of inspiration and connection, with guests invited to RSVP and support the next wave of visual storytellers.
The opening will see former showcase artists talking on the night and will offer connection and collaboration opportunities for art students across the Yarra Ranges.
“It’s some deeply personal work as well, and bold and brave for these young people to put themselves out there,” said CJ.
For more information or to RSVP for the launch, head to: https://events.humanitix.com/creative-showcase-exhibition-launch
