Three TAFE NSW students recently took part in a highly successful exhibition in Gloucester, using their TAFE NSW visual arts learnings as a creative springboard. The exhibition served as a testament to the enriching impact of art on regional connection and resilience, and its appeal led to sales to local, national, and international collectors.

The students are part of a collective, known as the Artists of Wallamba, all hailing from a broad geographical area around Gloucester and Nabiac in New South Wales, who have been supporting each other’s artistic journeys for the past seven years through floods, fires, and pandemics.
 
One of the exhibiting artists, Carmel Spark, is currently studying her Certificate III in Visual Arts at the TAFE NSW Great Lakes campus and is expanding her painting skills by learning about sculptural ceramic and print making.  

"With the Artists of Wallamba, we've found strength and inspiration in each other's journeys. TAFE NSW has provided us with the technical skills, and we share our learnings to further our artistic growth.  Our teacher encourages us to research in our learnings, which also helps expand our ideas."

Tracie Bertram, who teaches Carmel and fellow students ceramics and fine arts at TAFE NSW Great Lakes, echoed the sentiment.

"We aim to not only equip students with artistic skills and how to present as a professional artist, including approaching galleries, we also instil in them the importance of fostering their own networks."

Charlie Lethbridge, the administrator of Gloucester Gallery, agreed on the vital role of arts in nurturing community ties.  

"Art has the remarkable ability to bring people together, bridging geographical divides and fostering a sense of belonging. The Artists of Wallamba exemplify the power of collaboration in strengthening regional artistic communities."

The month-long “Hanging Together” exhibition at the Gloucester Gallery showcased the diverse talents of the group and underscored the importance of connection in fostering resilience among regional artists.
 

Media contact: Melanie Pope, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, melanie.pope@tafensw.edu.au, 0400 074 007.