Aspiring artists at John XXIII host ‘Archibald’ exhibition

Sam's artwork of actor Paul Walker

Khalum chose her baby sister as her subject

On Wednesday 12 May, Year 4 students at John XXIII Primary, Stanhope Gardens hosted their very own ‘Archibald’ exhibition. The students were inspired to organise a portraiture prize and exhibition after studying a number of prominent portrait artists such as Picasso and Modigliani throughout Terms 1 and 2.

Family and friends of the artists and students from other year groups visited the exhibition. Visitors were given voting slips and were asked to vote for their three favourite artworks. Each student artist provided a description of who their subjects were, why they chose their subjects and the materials they used for their artwork.

One student, Khalum Huntly, chose to draw her baby sister ‘because she is fairly easy to sketch or draw’ while another student Sam Bezzina chose actor Paul Walker as his subject ‘because he likes cars and so do I’.

Other popular subjects included favourite movie stars and singers, the artists’ mothers and cartoon characters.

Year 4 teacher, Leah Corbridge said the project engaged the students and inspired them to learn more about portraiture in their own time.

‘The children have worked extremely hard to refine a variety of skills inspired by many famous artists,’ said Leah. ‘They have excelled as artists and produced fantastic masterpieces. We have been blown away by their artistic skills.’

The 15 winners were announced in assembly the following day; 10 were awarded for the best artwork and five winners were awarded for the presentation of their artwork on the day.

There were three judging categories; and five prize winners for each of the three judging categories; People’s Choice, Judges’ Choice and Display of Artwork.

Six winners were awarded in the People’s Choice category, five winners were awarded in the Judges’ Choice category and eight winners were awarded in the Art Display category.

People’s Choice winners

• 1^st place – Matthew Adin
• 2^nd place – Georgia Aloi
• 3^rd place – Lachlan A’Court
• 4^th place – Daniel Harris
• 5^th place – Patrick Sexton
• 6^th place – Emily Sinclair

Judges’ Choice winners

• 1^st place – Callan Lock
• 2^nd place – Emily Sinclair
• 3^rd place – Miranda McMullen
• 4^th place – Georgia Aloi
• 5^th place – Jordan DeJesus

Art Display winners

• Natarsha Srsa
• Christian Girdham
• Kahlum Huntley
• Cassandra Doran
• Gabrielle Byrne
• Luke Mitterer
• Leaon Kamel
• Grace Coyne

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