The works of nine Central Coast Students from seven local schools have been selected for inclusion in this year’s prestigious ARTEXPRESS exhibition, which is being held for the first time at Gosford Regional Gallery.

ARTEXPRESS is an annual series of exhibitions run in partnership with the NSW Department of Education and the NSW Education Standards Authority. It showcases the considerable creative talent and technical skills of the previous year’s Higher School Certificate (HSC) Visual Arts candidates.

ARTEXPRESS started in the 1950s and has grown into a major event in New South Wales.

Central Coast Council Team Leader Art Galleries, Arts and Culture, Tim Braham said student works from Terrigal High School, Henry Kendall High School, Lake Munmorah High School, Kincumber High School, Green Point Christian College, Gosford High School and Avondale School are among a total of 42 works chosen from government and non-government schools across the state.

“School works are sent to be marked for the HSC after which works are then nominated for ARTEXPRESS. The final selections are uniquely curated for each venue and the Gosford exhibition has a strong focus on the achievements of Central Coast and Hunter students.” Mr Braham said.

“All of the works displayed are standouts and represent the very best in the creative talents of last year’s Year 12 students. The exhibition features some beautiful portraits and innovative uses of material – I couldn’t help being impressed and inspired by the imagination of these young artists.

“Art plays an important role in our lives and in bringing people together and we are honoured to have secured such a prestigious exhibition, free for our community to enjoy.”

ARTEXPRESS will run at the Gosford Regional Gallery until 2 September.

Teacher Professional Development Workshops and Student Practical Workshops by the NSW Arts Unit will also run at the Gallery in conjunction with the exhibition. Students studying Visual Arts for the HSC, and their teachers, are invited to visit the Gallery for some inspiration and practical advice on their projects. Artist Talks will be held on Saturday, 28 July and Saturday 4 August at the Gallery.

For more information visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/galleries