Budding singers, actors and musicians often come to mind when thinking of students at Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But the school is also home to many other gifted artists, known as the Visual Arts Collective.
The graduating year will have their first professional exhibition from Monday at the Project Contemporary Art Space in Wollongong.
Over four years, students for the specialist class are offered extension programs in drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, graphic design and printmaking.
“I think visual arts education that we give them, we’re very proud of, gives them a great setup for future employment,” teacher Kate Stehr said.
Ms Stehr said creative thinking is now sought after by many employers, not just in the arts field.
While previous students from the class have gone on to work in graphic design, jewellery making, band merchandising and fashion design.
Student Georgia Forst said the teachers at the school are all “amazing” artists themselves and quite inspiring.
While she hopes her skills will lead her to fulfill her dream of running a florist “that sells books, art and poetry”.
To become part of the Collective, students must audition and demonstrate a natural aptitude, practical refinement and a passion for the visual arts.
The exhibition runs at the Project Contemporary Art Space in Wollongong, from October 17 to 30.