From the 23-26 June 17 VCE Visual Art students and 4 staff members embarked on the annual Penola Catholic College Sydney Art Tour.

This immersive four day trip provides students who are studying Visual Communication Design, Media and Studio Art the opportunity to experience a broad range of Galleries, Museums and Culture in an exciting and for many, new city. From the hustle and bustle of Ultimo, our inner-city base to the laid-back white sands of Manly, we walked, explored, and enjoyed each other’s company. These trips are about so much more than simply looking at art. At the core of this immersive experience is the relationship building, opportunities for leadership and the personal growth that takes place.

Students spent time at the Brett Whiteley Studio in Surry Hills. They witnessed the current exhibition and explored the studio home of the late artist, which remains largely as it was when he lived and worked there in the mid 1980’s. The Media students explored an exhibition dedicated to animation at the Japan Foundation Gallery. The Australian Design Centre and AFTERS, Australian Film, Television and Radio school, provided our students with opportunities to explore, see and listen to designers and educators discuss their work and post school pathways. The Art Gallery of New South Wales featured an Exhibition by one of Australia’s leading contemporary indigenous artists, Daniel Boyd. His exhibition titled, Treasure Island, was both thought provoking and beautiful. Similarly, the current exhibition being held at the Manly art gallery titled Settled / Unsettled, works by and featuring asylum -seeker migrants and refugees. The large realistic portraits with their piercing eyes were a real highlight for our students. The Powerhouse Museum provided a sensory overload on the Thursday night after dinner. We were able to explore a range of exhibitions directly relating to our areas of study and personal interests.

The Harbour is always a highlight, the Sydney weather was sparkling, we were very lucky given what unfolded in the following week. The ferry ride to Manly provides a different perspective of the city and a break from walking. Seeing the landmarks from the water is a memory that will stay with our students for years to come. On return to Circular Quay as our ferry pulled in, the Sydney Harbour Bridge provided the backdrop for a seemingly impromptu fireworks display. Just another highlight from a highly successful tour.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful students who participated in the tour. They were fantastic ambassadors for our college and our community. These Tours don’t take place without the dedication and good will of the staff who attend, Thank you.

Jason Hussey
HOL Visual Arts