Highlights from 2021 were:
Artexpress
Warners Bay High School is thrilled to announce the nomination of two HSC Bodies of Work for ARTEXPRESS 2021. Congratulations to our artistically talented and creative Yr12 students. ARTEXPRESS is an annual exhibition featuring a selection of outstanding student artworks developed for the artmaking component of the HSC examination in Visual Arts in NSW.
First Class 21
Our 2021 HSC Visual Arts students created outstanding artworks and we celebrate the inclusion of student works in the First Class 21 exhibition at the Museum of Art and Culture (MAC). The exhibition maintains a tradition of curating around a theme from outstanding work produced by Hunter and Central Coast HSC Visual Arts students. From the 2021 cohort Warners Bay High School had six students selected to exhibit their work. Congratulations to Delaney C, Sienna C, Jodi F, Rivvah H, Ella Mc, and Larry Q. Not only were their artworks materially sophisticated but also demonstrated strength in their conceptual meaning.
National Gallery Summer Art Scholarship
Congratulations to Grace M in Year 11 who was accepted into the National Gallery Summer Art Scholarship in Canberra as one of 16 students from across Australia. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity where only two students from each state are selected to participate in a fully funded week-long program. Grace will be taking part in workshops with artists and engaging with the national collection up close. Grace was highly motivated to apply and was proactive in developing her excellent submission which included an artwork and written response. Her dedication to the creative subjects throughout her schooling years and her personal commitment to art has led to this excellent achievement and fantastic opportunity. What a great way to end 2021!
MAD Night
2021 was not the norm for our students who usually have the opportunity to perform, exhibit and manage equipment throughout the year at three of our MAD Night exhibition and performances. We were fortunate enough to showcase the amazing talents of student from across The Arts within the school and wider community at one MAD Night before COVID-19 restrictions. It was a magnificent night aimed at engaging students and the wider community by encouraging creativity and to inspire everyone to think differently about making artworks, performing, connecting to others and reflecting on how the Arts fit in a modern world. The artworks and performances on show highlight the passion and dedication of the CAPA staff. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support.
Charlestown Library
In partnership with Charlestown Library and the Lake Macquarie Council, we created three mini exhibitions at Charlestown Library showcasing Year 9 Ceramic students’ Zoo animal Trophies; Year 10 Ceramic students’ Teapot, Grayson Perry and Organica works; and Year 10 Visual Arts students’ Still Life drawings.
Finite Gallery Teapot Exhibition
We celebrated the creative achievements of our Year 10 Ceramics students as they transformed The Finite Gallery into a fantasy wonderland by creating a “Fantasy Teapot Exhibition’. These whimsical and fun teapots may never be used for their intended purpose, but they made a spectacular display of imagination and creativity. Everything from Winnie the Poo to an alien invasion adorn the vessels. Finite Gallery also hosted Australia's Biggest Morning Tea to coincide with the student exhibition.
Artist in Residence: Lindy Lee and James Drinkwater
Our Artist in Residence Program took on a new direction in 2021 as we all embraced the wonderful and fabulously connected world of ZOOM. Staff and students took advantage of new opportunities to meet internationally renowned artists twho are usually inaccessible. Our very lucky Year 12 students were able to meet Australian artist Lindy Lee and Newcastle born artist James Drinkwater. Students were able to ask the artists questions and listen to their diverse and personal journey into the artworld. These Zoom meetings were such an incredible experience for the students and offered insight into the artmaking practice of contemporary and influential artists. It was a privilege to be part of this valuable learning experience.
Artist of the Month and Musician of the Month
The CAPA Faculty continued the concept of Artist of the Month and Musician of the Month to highlight the success of students in individual Visual Arts, Ceramics, Photography and Digital Media and Music classes and to celebrate individual learning outside the assessment and reporting frameworks. Twelve students received this prestigious award encouraging participation and confidence in their artmaking and the depth of talent in music classes.
Excursions
Excursions play a crucial role in our teaching, providing authentic and real-world experiences to complement class-based learning and to reinforce and enhance what has been taught in the classroom. Our Visual Arts students experienced a diverse range of excursions and exhibitions including Artexpress, Taronga Zoo, Sydney Aquarium, Madame Tussauds and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Nobbys Beach and the Newcastle Art Gallery, Lindy Lee exhibition, and James Drinkwater exhibition.
Teachers
Mrs Kerr, Mrs Pfister and Mr Burton were provided with the opportunity to undertake HSC Visual Arts Critical and Historical examination marking to develop strategies for students to enhance deep knowledge and understanding of the theoretical components of Visual Arts.
