By Jenni Kennedy

There was a fantastic atmosphere as students, teachers, families and special guests enjoyed the Exhibition launch on Friday evening, 12 November. Almost 200 artworks from 30 Catholic schools in the Sandhurst Diocese make up this year’s Exhibition which will be on display until Sunday 28 November.

Colourful paintings, drawings, pastels, sculptures, prints, photographs and ceramics are submitted by Sandhurst schools each year, representing artists from Foundation to Year 12. Prizes are awarded for outstanding artworks in General Art and Spiritual Art categories across primary and secondary settings. The People’s Choice Award finalists are also announced at the launch.

Executive Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst, Mr Paul Desmond, said that the MacKillop Exhibition
is an event which brings him great joy each year.

“It celebrates the creativity of our students and the effort and determination of their teachers who support our students to thrive. I thank all those who have guided, inspired and motivated our students to create art this year,” he said.

Mr Desmond also congratulated all the young people who submitted artwork for the Exhibition.

“You are a part of an historic milestone for the MacKillop Art Exhibition as it is held, for the first time, both online and on-site in the Sacred Heart Cathedral this year,” said Paul.

Event curator and Education Officer for The Arts, Claire Spinelli said that it has been another challenging year for students, teachers and parents.

“This year’s exhibition is a true testament to the power of creativity and of the Arts to endure, offering artists, makers and creators the chance to construct meaning of their world. The MacKillop Art Exhibition of 2021 is a real beacon of hope which comes towards the end of what has been a tumultuous year,” she said.

“I am confident that the Sandhurst community will continue to nurture imagination, resourcefulness and originality.”

“With St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, I pray with gratitude for the chances we have had this year and that we look with faith, into the future,” said Claire.

The Philomena Billington Scholarship for Social Justice through The Arts was also presented at the exhibition launch. Former Director for Catholic Education Sandhurst, Phil Billington was unable to attend the launch. However she sent a video message to announce the recipient of the 2022 Scholarship as Catholic College Wodonga, for their project, 'Sacred Gurratha -- Connecting Mercy and Country'. The prestigious Scholarship will enable Catholic College Wodonga to create an interactive and functional garden that can be experienced, not simply viewed. Key features of the garden will be Indigenous symbols and a prominent Mercy Cross that acts as a beacon to bring life to Catherine McAuley's words, "We should be shining lamps giving light to all around us".

The People’s Choice Award was inaugurated last year to provide an opportunity for family, friends and public to get involved in the exhibition, as well as providing another chance for students to be recognised and to win prizes.

You can vote for the Primary and Secondary People’s Choice Award winners by clicking on the voting form in the People’s Choice gallery.

The Exhibition can also be viewed online at the Catholic Education Sandhurst website where you can cast your vote in the People’s Choice Awards, or in person at the Cathedral, for both Primary and Secondary awards. Voting closes at 11.59 p.m. on Sunday, 28 November 2021.

Winners will be announced on Tuesday 30 November on the Catholic Education Sandhurst Limited Facebook page.