FROM THE PRINCIPAL - Academy of Mary Immaculate

VISUAL ART DEPARTMENT
Another triumph for Academy Arts
Congratulations to Yr 11 students, Ria Patel and Tania Romano. Last year, both girls became finalists for the Art
About Town Yellow Pages Cover Competition. Over the Christmas holiday period, the winners were announced and
we were delighted to discover that Ria’s entry had won the Central Melbourne Region. This means that Ria’s artwork,
a lino print self portrait of herself as a young child, will grace the cover of the new Central Melbourne Living Local
Book to be issued in May. Further to this, Ria’s prize also includes a $2000 dollar art course.
Ria submitted the following explanation of her artwork and its relationship to the competition theme of ‘local
community’:
“My community means the children, our future generation and it is children who represent the community and bring
the world forward. Children are the ones who are vital to deciding how the world will appear in the future. Children
reflect their families and as they grow, they implement their teachings towards the community.
Children are like wet cement; whatever falls on them, it makes an impression. We all strive to make a utopian
community - however sometimes we do not achieve this, because we don't realise it's the kids who enlighten it.
This world needs light and that light is only brought by a child, who gives hope and the will to live life. Our world isn't
perfect; nevertheless, it is beautiful because a child brings a spark of beauty to it.
My lino print depicts a child, because that is what I feel represents my community. The future is in the hands of
children.” Ria Patel
This success comes on the back of what was a highly successful year for our visual art students in a number of
exhibitions held in the broader community last year. In the prestigious Under the Bridge Exhibition organised by
Steps Outreach of Care Australia, eight of our students’ photographs were finalists and we eventually won 1 st , 2 nd and
5 th place. In Sydney’s Spirit of Mercy Exhibition two students received special commendations for their art work.
We hope that this recent success will inspire other students to take the plunge and exhibit their art work in
competitions as they arise throughout the year.
Well done girls and congratulations also to the hard working art department for their constant support and
encouragement of our students.
Mr Martin McInerney, Head of Visual Arts
Ria Patel (left) and Tania Romano (right)
Academy of Mary Immaculate
Mercy Secondary Education Inc. A0035660B
88 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy 3065, Telephone: (03) 9419 3044 Fax: (03) 9419 3885, Email: academy @academy.vic.edu.au