While it can take many years for some artists to establish their careers, 16-year-old Alice Xu’s striking self-portrait hit a chord recently when she was announced as the winner of the 2019 Noel Chettle Memorial Art Prize.

The Noel Chettle Memorial Art Prize is an annual competition at TAFE NSW and encourages excellence in life drawing. The show features a prodigious variety of work, showcasing the talent of TAFE NSW students.

Ms Xu said “Winning this award is a real privilege and a huge shock. I never expected that I would win against so many incredibly talented artists.

“None of this would have been possible without the grounding I got from studying the Diploma of Visual Art at TAFE NSW.

“The benefit of studying as an artist is that you learn a bit of everything in terms of technique and it’s a great opportunity to experiment,” she said. “But mostly, I learned how to think like an artist at TAFE NSW.”

Head Teacher of Fine Arts and Ceramics at TAFE NSW St George, Lorna Grear, says many graduates have successful careers in the arts industry as practicing artists, facilitators, university lecturers or working for arts organisations.

“Studying visual arts at TAFE NSW not only gives students the practical skills in a range of studio disciplines, but helps them understand and engage with the arts industry to take their practice to a professional level.

“Alice is an extremely talented drawer and the prize could not have gone to a more deserving winner. Her sketchbook is always filled with the most beautiful drawings and I’m so pleased that she has been recognised for her wonderful skill,” Ms Grear said.

Ms Xu said she was incredibly joyful about the win and was so grateful to have the guidance of her TAFE NSW teachers.

“My teacher is a practicing artist and was able to share her experience and pass on her knowledge. If you want to be job ready with practical skills and experience, that type of teaching is invaluable.”

It’s never too early to follow your passion and be in a career you love. Enrol now for TAFE NSW Semester 1 2020, visit www.tafensw.com.au or phone 131 601.

Media contact: Alice Dalley, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, 0402 528 210, alice.dalley1@tafensw.edu.au