Students' talents recognised

21 Sep 2022

The scholarships are provided as a part of a partnership between St John of God Health Care and Catholic Education Western Australia that aim to support students to continue their participation in the arts.

The performing arts awards were presented to two dedicated and passionate trumpeters, Lachlan Hemetsberger (metropolitan) and Marcus Berge (regional) at the Spirit of the Arts Festival Concert last week.

St John of God Health Care Group Coordinator Arts and Health Emily Lees, who was part of the judging panel, said there were a number of strong applications with many students having big dreams of a future in the performing arts.

“I loved the way the students wrote their own applications, hearing them articulate their hopes and goals in their own authentic voice made it much easier to picture how the scholarships might assist them,” Emily said.

“Whether in a school, hospital or community setting, all people can benefit from engagement in the performing arts as they provide a medium for us to deeply connect in a realm beyond verbal conversation.”

Olivia Deery from St Vincent’s Primary School (Year 6) and Danielle Sansalone from Servite College (Year 11) were presented with their visual arts scholarships at the Angelico Awards last month. 

Olivia’s work, which is titled We Pray for Peace was inspired by watching the news about the war in Ukraine.

“Especially the young children that were involved. I felt so sad for them and grateful to live in a safe country like Australia,” Olivia said.

“I was very grateful for my artwork to be entered into the exhibition.

“To win was very exciting for me as this is my first award that I have won. I felt proud to be picked out of the other amazing pieces of artwork.” 

Danielle’s piece, titled Impressions of my School, was completed using Claude Monet’s style of capturing colours via the effects of light. She picked a location where she could capture the shades of the ghost gum trees in the middle of the day when light is most effective and bright.

Danielle’s artistic talents have been passed down from her father and Nonna. Danielle said she loved how art was able to communicate ideas, messages and emotions.

“Winning this award has inspired me to further develop my knowledge and skills and take further risks in my artwork to produce pieces that will evoke emotion in those who view it and provide me with the opportunity to express who I am through my artwork,” Danielle said.

“This award has boosted my confidence and perception of my art and has further inspired me to keep on creating.”

Both works are now on display as part of the Angelico Exhibition at St John of God Subiaco Hospital until 30 September 2022 and will then be exhibited at St John of God Murdoch Hospital from 30 September until 16 October 2022.

Midland Head to Health Art Therapist Caroline Lyttle who assisted with the judging and selected the pieces to be displayed at our hospitals said she knew how appreciative patients within the hospitals would be to see these original art works – especially from our younger people.

“It gives individuals an opportunity to experience the vitality that the artist's bring into the space,” Caroline said.

“They may consider different perspectives within the visual narratives and see something interesting and fresh during their hospital stay.”

Image: Olivia Deery from St Vincent’s Primary School's work We Pray for Peace.

Danielle Sansalone from Servite College's work Impression of my School.