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Young creative minds inspire

Headshot of Kellie Balaam
Kellie BalaamNarrogin Observer
Artwork on display at i-WITNESS.
Camera IconArtwork on display at i-WITNESS. Credit: Kellie Balaam

The opening night of i-WITNESS sparked creativity within the town as visitors viewed artwork from Narrogin Senior High School’s talented students.

The art exhibition showcases work from the school’s visual art and photography students.

It is on show at the Narrogin Exhibition Space on Federal Street until November 24.

Head of arts Margarita Felipe said i-WITNESS represented the whole student body and their perspectives.

“This year, there has been work based on the self, so students have explored who they are and their worries about mental health,” Ms Felipe said.

“We have so many problems with mental health, so a lot of the works are expressive of that.”

Ms Felipe said the students had worked extremely hard to show their skills and techniques.

“We push them to become the best that they can be and their final product gets celebrated in a show like this at the end of the year,” she said.

This year’s exhibition had a new All-Rounder Award that recognised the winner’s proficiency in both visual art and photography.

The recipient of the inaugural award was Year 11 student Grace Simpson.

Award winner Grace Simpson and Elected Member Brian Seale with Grace's art ‘Control’.
Camera IconAward winner Grace Simpson and Elected Member Brian Seale with Grace's art ‘Control’. Credit: Kellie Balaam

Grace described her style of painting as “anime-inspired with a realistic mind-twist”.

“It feels amazing (to win). I take a lot of inspiration from Ms Q, my teacher,” Grace said.

“I’m really happy that all my family and my grandparents were here to see me get an award.”

The award was donated by Narrogin councillor Brian Seale.

Year 11 student Kallie Barrett expressed mental health and emotions through her painting, Doesn’t want to tell.

Year 11 student Kallie Barrett and her work 'Doesn't want to tell'.
Camera IconYear 11 student Kallie Barrett and her work 'Doesn't want to tell'. Credit: Kellie Balaam

“My artwork is just trying to express mental health and trying to see everyone’s point of view, hence the two sides of the face trying to express each side of themselves,” Kallie said.

Kallie was inspired by her own hardship experienced at school and enjoys expressing herself through her artwork.

“I’ve always enjoyed art and simple things like colour. Everything just inspires me, the trees moving, the way people walk, people’s facial expressions,” she said.

Ms Felipe said she was very proud of the teachers and students in the art department.

“I want to thank Arts Narrogin and Mr Seale for his donation this year,” she said.

“The fact that we can show the students’ work in a professional setting is magnificent, so thank you to all the people who support us.”

Narrogin Senior High School’s arts program offers a variety of mediums including drama, art, photography, dance and music.

Art teachers Hayley Williams and Zoe Quartermaine with head of arts Margarita Felipe (middle).
Camera IconArt teachers Hayley Williams and Zoe Quartermaine with head of arts Margarita Felipe (middle). Credit: Kellie Balaam

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