Every artist spends their time with us practising far more than techniques.
They learn to observe, experiment, solve problems, communicate ideas and develop confidence in their own creative voice.
Our Annual Art Show is where all of this comes together, giving every student the opportunity to experience what it feels like to be an artist.
Students have the opportunity to share their artwork and enjoy the artist experience of talking with guests who are genuinely interested in their work.
Nothing is rehearsed. They answer questions, make connections about their work as they speak, and discover that people are genuinely interested in what they have to say.
Watch One Aisle Come to Life
This art show is for the students and put together (mostly) by the students.
The day before art show, from noon onwards, our students begin to gather at Lakeview Church ready and willing to get this show up.
We have over a thousand pieces of art to show, as well as names, art work titles and artist statements each piece hung with care. These students know what the art show should look like and are so enthusiastic for this tedious but necessary ritual (plus the lure of muffins and Bublé)
We love and appreciate the adults who step in to help too, and they are always ready to take advice from the students on how this should look.
Every Artist Has Their Moment
For one evening every spring, every student has the opportunity to stand beside their artwork and experience what it feels like to truly be an artist.
Guests don't just look at the artwork—they meet the artist behind it. Students share the ideas behind their work, answer questions, receive compliments and discover that people are genuinely interested in what they have created.
For many students, it's the first time they realise their creative voice matters.
MORE THAN AN EXHIBITION
Our Annual Art Show is about far more than displaying artwork. It's an opportunity for students to experience what it feels like to be an artist. They stand beside their work, talk about their ideas, answer questions, receive compliments and discover that people are genuinely interested in what they have created.
They leave knowing they have something worthwhile to say, the confidence to share it, and the experience of being treated like a real artist.
"I get to discuss and talk about my art with people who are genuinely interested in it."
— Delaney,
Studio Assistant
a quiet tradition
Before students head out to meet their guests, there's a tradition that has grown over the last few years.
As each artist makes their way to their artwork, we're there to cheer them on.
High fives. Applause.
Plenty of "You've got this!"
It's our way of turning those last-minute nerves into excitement
behind the scenes
Every guest becomes part of the story.
Throughout the Art Show you'll find compliment slips. They're a long-standing Funky Artsmiths tradition, and one of the most meaningful parts of the evening.
We invite every guest to write a few words for the artists whose work has caught their eye. Not just the artist they've come to support, but as many young artists as they can.
Some messages are simple.
"Great colours!", "I love your dragon!"
Others are wonderfully thoughtful.
"The way you used light makes this
painting feel peaceful."
"Your artist statement made me see your artwork in a completely different way."
By the end of the evening, thousands of handwritten compliments have been collected.
Every single one is sorted by hand and tucked into the artist's portfolio before it's collected a few days later.
And when portfolio day arrives...
The first thing most students do isn't look at their artwork. It's sit down and read the compliments.
Every single one.
