IMMERSING into a world of art, students from year one to 12 across schools in the Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Diocese have put on a wow factor of works at the first annual WOW Gallery.
As part of the Catholic Schools Office's ASPIRE event, students were invited to showcase their talent in an interactive art exhibition at the Lake Macquarie Multi-Arts Pavillion on November 7 and 9.
St Pius X Adamstown year 8 student Charlotte Wilkins submitted an artwork of her favourite artists - Melanie Martinez and Dave Mustaine.
"I've listened to their music for a long time and have always been inspired by them," she said.
Charlotte plays guitar and has been dancing and singing from a young age. She also loves to draw music artists and people from shows she watches. Now she's excited that others will get a glimpse into what makes her happy.
"I think it's cool that people will be able to see my work and I hope my art can inspire other young people to pursue their passions," she said.
The exhibition is made up of mediums including paint, sculpture and drawings and displayed through a 360 degree projection onto the gallery walls. There is also a sensory space and silent disco on offer for people to enjoy.
ASPIRE design director Lara Crockett said the idea was initially conceived in 2020, and is inspired by digital immersive gallery spaces.
"We asked students across the diocese to create artworks and the theme was 'What makes you go wow?' and that could be interpreted in any kind of way," she said.
More than 300 artworks from over 250 students were submitted digitally and Ms Crockett said there were a diverse range of works.
"Some artworks are around how someone's dad does something which wows them, or how a dinosaur wows the younger kids. With the older students there are ones on Newcastle landscapes and icons for example," she said.
"We've had such a great intake and are impressed with the calibre of work. We hope this will become an annual event."
Tickets are available for the Saturday session on November 9 from 2-7pm for just $10 and can be purchased at the door or online.
