A series of special Youth Art events are taking place these school holidays, facilitated by 2018 Archibald prize finalist Melissa Grisancich. These workshops are free and open to those aged from 12 to 25 and will culminate in a pop-up, youth-led gallery space open for public viewing in the Hamilton CBD.
Designed collaboratively between Southern Grampians Shire Council, Hamilton Gallery, Brophy, YUMCHA and professional artist/curator Melissa Grisancich, the 'HG: Youth Arts' will host two hands-on workshops and a public celebration event designed for youth to be empowered and skilled to lead community-run artistic spaces, opening pathways into diverse and creative careers.
Southern Grampians Shire Council CEO Tony Doyle said the workshops aimed to foster creativity, skill development and confidence among talented young people throughout the region, with Melissa Grisancich bringing an exciting dimension to the program.
"Members of our youth community will work alongside Melissa Grisancich, an industry leading, inclusive, artist," said Tony. "Acrylic artworks will be created and featured in a youth-led exhibition space in Hamilton. This pop-up art space will be a celebration of work created by diverse young members of our community."
Rowena Brinkmann from Brophy Family Youth Services said the public was invited to attend this special exhibition to the view art works.
"Come and meet our talented young artists and experience a space that has been entirely created by our talented youth community," said Rowena. "It is a chance to champion the creativity and artistic expression of our beautifully diverse young people."
Workshops and key dates include:
• Intro to Acrylic Painting - Tuesday 26 September, 10am - 2pm, free, booking essential
• Intro to Exhibiting Art - Wednesday 27 September, 10am - 2pm, free, booking essential
• Exhibition Opening Celebration - Thursday 28 September, 4pm - 6pm, free, no need to book
• Open to Public - Saturday 30 September - Sunday 1 October, 10am - 2pm, free, no need to book.
The workshops and Pop-up Youth Gallery exhibition will take place at 175 Gray Street, the empty premises on the corner of Gray Street and Brown Street in Hamilton. These workshops were made possible with funding provided through the Victorian State Government's Youth Fest 2023 Grant Program and Freeza Program.
