The Hive hosts some of Bellarine’s best young artists from Ocean Grove Primary

A SAMPLE of the Bellarine’s youngest emerging artists is on display at The Hive with the opening of the annual Ocean Grove Primary School Art Show.

This year’s theme of Explorations had students create their own mini masterpieces in response to the artwork of artists including Yayoi Kasuma, Paul Klee, Romero Britto and Laura Blythman.

Working across a range of mediums including painting, mixed media, collage and digital photography the result is a whole school celebration of the visual arts and a first-time chance for many to have their work publicly exhibited.

“We are grateful to have our art show at The Hive because it is an actual art gallery, so it makes the night special,” Year 6 Arts Captains Boyd and Fabian said.

Visual Arts teachers Jo Chapman and Andrea Thompson said they “love to engage with our local arts community” and The Hive are a great supporter of emerging artists.

“Our Art Show gives our classes the real-world experience of exhibiting their art to the wider community,” Ms Chapman said.

“Visual Arts gives our students a chance to express themselves and connect with others.

“After an uncertain last two years, we have enjoyed giving students the opportunity to explore a variety of materials and mediums…there has been a real buzz in our classes this year as students appreciate being back in our studio.”

Ms Chapman said a highlight was the year 6 students’ graduating piece that involved researching art movements then incorporating their own style to create a skateboard deck design.

“Year 6’s coming in at lunch to work on their own skate deck design has been so rewarding,” she said.

For others it was the act of making marks and being creative that excited them.

“I love the splashes of colour on my painting,” foundation student Birdie said.

For others like year 6 student Jackson, it was a chance to explore his roots.

“I am the first Cultural Ambassador leader at Ocean Grove Primary School…I wanted to do this design because it links into my heritage,” he said.

Donated artworks will be on sale for $5 each with all money raised going to Ocean Grove Primary’s Visual Arts program.

The students’ work will be on exhibition from 4:00pm – 8:00pm tonight (October 21), at The Hive Gallery, Ocean Grove.