Gladstone exhibition to showcase top new talent

Their works have hung alongside Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso in the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art—now, the state’s most exciting young artists will display their talents in regional galleries.

Minister for Education, Training and the Arts Rod Welford said the Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Arts and Design 2008-2009 touring exhibition would visit the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum from 4 July until 9 August 2008.

“This outstanding exhibition features 50 diverse artworks created by Year 12 students from schools all over the state,” Mr Welford said.

“Art can explore a whole range of issues and this exhibition shows that the talented young artists who developed these works possess maturity, understanding and creativity.

“The catalogue gives audiences an even greater insight into the thoughts and ideas that make seeing this exhibition an inspirational experience.”

Featuring a range of artistic styles and techniques, the exhibition includes paintings, drawings, photographs, mixed media, sculptures, prints, etchings and digital videos by the winners of the 2007 Education Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Art.

Mr Welford said the program was this year renamed the Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Arts and Design to reflect the strength and potential of Queensland’s cultural talent.

Gladstone is among nine regional venues on the touring roadshow, which runs until 2009.

Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum Director Pamela Whitlock said the exhibition would be a treat for local audiences.

“In classrooms all over Queensland, young artists are creating some outstanding pieces, and this is our chance to celebrate and contemplate their work,” she said.

For more information on the exhibition, contact Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum on telephone (07) 4976 6766.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000