One of the busiest sections on the Northside campus is our vibrant art department. It's a place of industry and creation, collaboration and laughter, thinking and exploration. Out of it come not only impressive works of art, but also students who have grown in artistic skill, the capacity to think well, and the courage to try.
The art department is situated in the state-of-the-art Centre of Creativity and Innovation, Northside's new flagship precinct. The team of inspirational art teachers who have nurtured many successful artists over the years remain dedicated to their pursuit to reclaim the arts for God.
Our on-campus art gallery proudly displays a broad range of student work, which utilizes time-honoured techniques taught in class, as well as new processes, experimentation and independent thought.
Junior School students enjoy art in lunchtimes through a variety of activities. Under 8s Day includes easels for painting and craft tables where little artists can explore and create. Junior School students are given the opportunity to participate in after school art classes, when available. In Middle School, every Year 9 cohort creates a mural to leave as a legacy of inspiration to future middle schoolers. Secondary school artists come to the fore in the musical's set design and construction.
The annual Da Vinci Festival celebrates the intersection of art, music, design and science. Students display their masterpieces in a campus gallery; short films are screened; music ensembles perform; and in the science labs, students demonstrate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) through robotics and the wonders of creation in science.
Alumni Stories
Kathleen O'Hagan
Creative Generation Awards acknowledge young Queensland artists for outstanding works. Northside students have excelled with a number of students honoured over the award's history. In 2015, an unprecedented number of our students were selected with four reaching the shortlist and two winners.
Kathleen O'Hagan, Class of 2016, was the epitome of dedication to her craft during her secondary years. Her hard work paid off, with her art winning multiple awards on a state and national level. Kathleen has gone on to publish an illustrated book 'Colourful Memories', art commissions and even returned to Northside as an artist-in residence.
Holly Neilson
Holly Neilson's ('13) 4+ year journey from part-time artist through to full-fledged entrepreneur has been incredible to watch, flourishing with her illustration business Paper Hands.
Holly's work captures a kind of everyday, kooky humour that people can identify with. Paper Hands collection of fun-filled ink and watercolour illustrations have been exhibited in Melbourne and Brisbane, and displayed for purchase in local cafes and shops.