Young visions on display

The Iluka Visions exhibition is celebrating 20 years of showcasing works by upcoming young artists at its opening this weekend at the Bunbury Regional Art Galleries.

Picture by David Bailey: Bunbury Senior High School students Pip Toia-Johnston, 16, Joshua Pickering and Bronte Jones, both 17.

Staff at the galleries are busily preparing the more than 160 photographs, paintings, drawings, etchings, sculptures, wood carving and mixed media projects which will make up this year’s show.

The exhibition will include promising work by students in Years 8 to 12 from 15 South West schools, including photographs by Pip Toia-Johnston named Intoxicated Orange.

Hundreds of works of all mediums were evaluated in August by the selection panel and the best will go on show in the exhibition, which was created to support amateur artists with professional development opportunities.

A number of awards will be presented on opening night in several categories as well as two internships at Nina’s Jewellery on Victoria Street and the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts.

The exhibition is supported by Iluka Resources which contributes to the framing of the works, development of the professional catalogue and the distinguished Iluka Prize.

Audience development officer at the galleries Julie Blair encouraged the community to show their support of the visual arts and the students who had dedicated time and effort to create brilliant work.

‘‘I am completely in awe of the talent of these students and encourage everyone in the community to support the future generation by viewing their hard work—it will not disappoint,’’ Ms Blair said.

The exhibition will open this Saturday at 7pm and will run through to October 30.