TAFE NSW Kingswood visual arts students have wowed audiences with their expertly curated ‘We’re all going on a summer holiday’ exhibition, in collaboration with Hawkesbury Regional Gallery.

TAFE NSW Head Teacher Cath Barcan said the thought-provoking exhibition has provided a unique opportunity for 11 local students to showcase their creative talent and build industry connections.

“The project is a great opportunity for our talented Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts and Bachelor of Creative Practice students and graduates to put into practice what they have learnt. Their passion, dedication, and creative flair are well and truly on show.”

Werrington County local and mother-of-three Ilona Bruckard is following her dream of becoming an art teacher, after completing an Advanced Diploma in Visual Arts at TAFE NSW Kingswood, specialising in ceramic sculpture.

“Since finishing high school, I’ve always wanted to be an art teacher. When I was approaching 40, I decided now is the time to follow my dreams, so I took the plunge and enrolled at TAFE NSW,” Ms Bruckard said.

“I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Creative Practice along with a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, so I can fulfill my dream of empowering the next generation of artists.

“Being selected to be part of the Hawkesbury Regional Gallery exhibition has been incredibly exciting. I’ve gained so much confidence throughout my time at TAFE, thanks to the support of my teachers, and it’s great to see all of my hard work come to life.”

Gallery and Museum Director Kath von Witt said Hawkesbury Regional Gallery’s ethos has always been to support the creative life of the region.  

“Working with TAFE NSW fine arts students and alumni for our end of year exhibition creates a strong connection between the gallery and the broader community. We are very lucky to have such a strong arts community in the region, and we all need to celebrate our good fortune to live in such a creative and diverse space,” Ms von Witt said.

“While COVID-19 lockdowns and other natural disasters in the past few years have been a dreadful burden, sometimes there is a silver lining! Such as this exhibition.

“The artists have risen to the challenge and have created a thought-provoking, technically interesting, and accessible exhibition I encourage everyone to visit.”

The ‘We’re all going on a summer holiday’ exhibition at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery runs until 6 February 2022.

To find out more about the range of arts courses available at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601. 

Media contact: Emma Woodward, Communications Specialist, emma.woodward15@tafensw.edu.au, 0409 618 291