Selby Community House opened an exhibition showcasing the work of senior Monbulk College students on Friday 22 July.
‘Dark Arts’ the exhibition, presented in the community house’s ArtSpace, displays photography and fine artwork in the midst of a dark Hills Winter.
Young artists expressed their interpretation of mythology, mental health, politics and domestic violence through their works with six or seven artworks being purchased on the night.
Nikki Wellington, Community Project Coordinator at Selby Community House said it was a great opportunity for students to gain an understanding of what life is like as a working artist.
“We set it up with non alcoholic drinks and nibbles, like it would be a normal art gallery, we had the music there that was also done by the students of the school, so it was just a lovely event that gave them a real idea in a space – we were hoping that they could sort of go, wow, this is the next step, and then what’s after this? next could be a big gallery,” Nikki said.
“[The exhibition] gives them an idea of what it felt like, or what it might feel like, to really be an exhibiting artist. ”
For the last few months, Nikki have been working with Helen McInnes, Art Teacher at Monbulk College to collate student artwork and bring ‘Dark Arts’ to life.
“As a community house, we don’t get a lot of young people through because they don’t understand there’s a reason for a community house; they’re not exposed to it enough,” Nikki said.
“So for them to be seeing what a community house does, seeing that we’re exposing their beautiful artwork to the community, the hope was that they would be encouraged, particularly for those who want to further their career in that field, to get an idea of what that next step is.”
After several pieces of artwork were sold on opening night Nikki said the hope is more can be purchased to give the students a sense of worth as an artist and an idea of what it takes to have art as part of their lives.
The works produced by the Monbulk College senior students will be on display until Monday 22 August.
The ‘Dark Arts’ exhibition was funded by a Yarra Ranges Council grant.
For more information on Selby Community House and upcoming events, visit https://www.selbyhouse.org.au/
Selby Community House is located at 2/1 Minak Rd, Selby VIC 3159.
