Top students work on show

THE Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre is set to present EMERGE for the second consecutive year, with the 2026 exhibition running from April 17 to May 3.

Bringing together work from four local high school, the exhibition will showcase the creative achievements of Stage I and Stage II Visual Art students from across Mount Gambier.

Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre and Cultural Development Director Ashleigh Whatling said the exhibition reflects both the depth of local creative talent and the centre’s commitment to nurturing emerging artists.

“This exhibition brings you some outstanding works from graduates of Mount Gambier High School, Grant High School, Tenison Woods College and St Martins Lutheran College,” Ms Whatling said. “As a leading regional gallery, we pride ourselves in supporting local talent and young emerging artists through partnering with our secondary schools. I invite you to celebrate the youth of Mount Gambier and engage with the next generation’s creative practices.”

Riddoch assistant curator Saskia Scott highlighted the richness and diversity the exhibition will showcase.

“It was fantastic to visit the four high schools and see the emerging talent in our region,” Ms Scott said. “The exhibition reflects the diversity of mediums and themes that the students have chosen to explore as part of their studies in SACE Stage I and II.

“There are exciting and innovative works in video and animation, photography, sculpture, drawing and painting. This year’s EMERGE exhibition has some particularly strong examples of portraiture, highlighting the artists’ family, friends and heroes.”

Emerge 26 will be on display on the King’s Floor at The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre from April 17 to May 3 and will culminate with a closing celebration on Thursday, April 30, at 5pm.

The public are invited to attend this free event.

The Riddoch is open to the public 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 2pm weekends and most public holidays.

For more information about this or upcoming exhibitions please visit the Riddoch website at www.theriddoch.com.au