Creativity is a snap of life

By Rebecca Fraser
THE creative works of young students at the Narre Community Learning Centre NCLC were put on display last Thursday as part of the Snap Shot of Your Life exhibition.
Springfield Ward councillor Ben Clissold launched the exhibition at the Old Cheese Factory Gallery and in his opening speech said it was interesting to look around the room and look at what the artwork tells.
“There is a very strong theme running through all of them (the exhibits) about relationships and families,” he said.
“I want my council colleagues to come out and have a look and to understand this is where a lot of young people are coming from.
“This artwork here is such a good summary and representation that show us their challenges and the thoughts in their minds,” he said.
Students were asked to take a series of photos that depicted their life and then choose either one photo or a group of photos that they felt best represented themselves.
They were also invited to express their art in a literary medium by writing a poem, a short story or song lyrics.
NCLC youth manager Lisa Thomas said she hoped the exhibition would raise positive perceptions of young people in Casey.
“Young people have received a bit of a battering of late in the papers with some members of the community trying to go to the extreme measures of bringing in curfews to keep our youth in Casey off the streets.
“There are many young people in our City that do lots of great things within the community and this needs to be recognised,” she said.
Over the past three months the youth students at NCLC have been busily working on their artwork for the NCLC Youth Creative Arts program.
The opening was deemed a big success with many students attending with their parents and extended families.
Other attendees to show their support were manager of youth and community development Janette Green and coordinator of youth information services at the City of Casey, Chris Morley.
Prizes were also awarded to the creative works, first prize being awarded to Sinead Williams, second prize to Steve Hogg and third to Kirsty Utley.
Vicki Jozwin’s work was highly commended and special mentions went to Trista West, Cameron Watts and Jessica Hempel.
If anyone is interested in viewing the NCLC “Snap Shot of Your Life” exhibition it will be on display at the Narre Community Learning Centre, 1 Malcolm Court, Narre Warren, Upper Foyer until Friday 30th September. Phone 9704 7388 for centre hours.