ARTEXPRESS, a showcase celebrating the creativity and achievements of HSC Visual Arts students from across New South Wales, is currently on display at The Glasshouse Gallery.
A joint initiative of the NSW Department of Education and the NSW Education Standards Authority, the exhibition opened locally on Saturday 9 May, with student artists travelling from across the state to be present.
“It is my great pleasure to present this wonderful selection of work from 37 young artists,” said gallery curator Bridget Purtill.
”We love having the opportunity to host ARTEXPRESS here and the level of talent in this room is so incredibly inspiring.”
Marlene Neville, Arts Strategy and Programs Coordinator from the Arts Unit of the NSW Department of Education, was also present for the opening.
“The Glasshouse Gallery is a stunning space and there is a beautiful selection here for the community,” Marlene said.
”I am so pleased to see so many students who have come to see their works exhibited – it is a very special thing.
“This is a celebration of art in our education system and what fine ambassadors these young people are of that.
“This exhibition gives us some insight into the thoughts, feelings and passions of young people.
“We are thrilled to be here in Port Macquarie, one of 10 regional galleries and a virtual gallery exhibiting student work across the state.”
Just over 9000 students studied HSC Visual Arts in 2025.
Of those, 750 were nominated for ARTEXPRESS, from which 244 were selected to be exhibited.
One of the student artists is local.
MacKillop College’s Charlie Penn, who contributed a 3D animation titled ‘Eye of the Moth’ to the exhibition, was unable to attend the opening because he is overseas.
The exhibition will continue at The Glasshouse until 19 July.
By Pauline CAIN
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