Exploring the Heart of Art: An Enriching Journey for Our Visual Art Students

July 22, 2024

During the holidays, 21 of our Years 11 and 12 Visual Art and Design students embarked on an unforgettable journey to the artistic hubs of Sydney and Melbourne. Accompanied by staff members, Lesley Nation, Arianne Flora and Michelle Carrick, this eight-day tour provided our students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant art scenes of these two iconic cities.

The adventure began in Sydney, where students explored the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Museum of Contemporary Art. They were captivated by the diverse collections, ranging from classical masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary works. The highlight of the Sydney visit was seeing the prestigious Archibald Prize Exhibition, which featured some of the finest portraiture in Australia.

Over the eight-day tour, students had the chance to view artworks from iconic artists such as Salvador Dalí, Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Brett Whiteley, and Francis Bacon. These encounters with masterpieces provided a unique experience that shifted the students’ perspective.

In addition to the gallery visits, students experienced the top Year 12 art in Melbourne, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of young Victorian artists. They also embarked on a street art tour – the streets highlighted the city’s vibrant urban art scene. They marvelled at the variety of large-scale work, including a Banksy.

Beyond the Art

Beyond the art, the trip was filled with memorable activities. Walking the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge offered breathtaking views, while the engaging tour of the Sydney Opera House provided insights into its architectural brilliance. The super fun and slightly eerie ghost tour of The Rocks added a touch of excitement and history to their adventure. Additionally, experiencing the drama and excitement of the theatre with performances of “Wicked” and “& Juliet” was truly exhilarating.

An Extension of the Classroom

This tour was not just about viewing art; it was an extension of our students’ classroom learning. By experiencing a wide range of artistic styles and mediums firsthand, students could connect their theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. This immersive experience aligns perfectly with our curriculum, which emphasises the importance of understanding diverse artistic traditions and contemporary practices.

Through hands-on workshops and guided tours, students learned from professional artists and curators, gaining practical skills and new techniques to incorporate into their projects. The exposure to different art forms and cultural contexts enriched their understanding and appreciation of visual arts, fostering a deeper connection to their studies.

Connecting with Alumni

A special part of the tour was reconnecting with talented alumni. Lucy Dal Molin (2022) and Kate Loughnan (Visual Art Captain, 2020) shared their experiences with the students. They discussed their studies, work, accommodation, managing finances, universities, and courses. Lucy and Kate spent the morning with the group for tours, a workshop, and lunch, creating a delightful and informative experience for our current students.

In the afternoon, running into Monique Chiari (Visual Art Captain, 2014) at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art was a pleasant surprise. Monique spoke to the students about her degree and work at the state gallery, providing further inspiration and insight into the world of art.

Student Reflections

The students’ feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Here are a couple of quotes that capture their sentiments:

“I have always been a big travel person, and when I was offered to travel with my classmates, I instantly jumped at the opportunity. The trip was an unforgettable moment where we all bonded and made new friendships. As we climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge I faced my fear of heights and got to appreciate the city skyline and the Opera House. Another highlight was attending ‘& Juliet’ at the theatre in Sydney. It was my first live theatre performance, where I found myself in tears to the inspiring message devoted to young women about taking control of our lives.” Jess, Year 12

“The most incredible experience of my life. I loved how the activities we took part in varied from gallery tours, theatre performances, and workshops, to climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge! I had so much fun getting to know the other girls better and it was so inspiring seeing so much amazing art in person.” Aeva, Year 11

“I loved how I was able to spend the holidays with my friends that I share common interests with, as well as completing tours and workshops with them. This was a one-in-a-lifetime experience and I’m so grateful that Santa Maria provided me with this amazing opportunity to get closer with my peers as well as grow my knowledge of Australia’s art. The highlight for me was seeing The Archibald’s Exhibition as well as trying Melbourne’s amazing food.” Sienna, Year 11

We are immensely proud of our students’ engagement and enthusiasm throughout this tour. The experiences and knowledge gained during this trip will undoubtedly influence their future artistic endeavours. We look forward to seeing how they incorporate these new insights into their work and continue to grow as artists.

This art tour has reaffirmed the importance of experiential learning in nurturing our students’ creativity and broadening their artistic horizons. We are excited to plan future trips that will continue to inspire and educate our talented visual art students.

Art Education, Featured, Learning for Life, Street Art, Student Tour, Visual Arts

Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.