Geraldton Regional Library hosts Genesis 2022 exhibition featuring works from local secondary students

More than 120 artworks in a range of mediums were carefully selected from seven secondary schools around Geraldton to be displayed at the annual Genesis exhibition this year held at the library.

The exhibition will be launched at the Geraldton Regional Library this year, and is run by the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery. The opening night is on Friday from 5pm-7pm.

In all, 125 entries from the best and brightest visual art secondary students in Geraldton were chosen, ranging from painting, drawing, ceramics, printmaking, digital photography and sculpture.

The works were carefully chosen by the gallery staff with the opportunity to win year level prizes and highly commended certificates on the opening night, plus a People’s Choice Award after the exhibition ends in February.

GRAG co-ordinator Marina Baker said she was proud to celebrate emerging artists in Geraldton, and this year’s selection process was tough, with a fantastic range of art.

“This year many of the artworks speak from the heart of Geraldton’s teenagers, expressing concerns over mental health, identity and environment. But there is also joy and fun, quirkiness and experimentation as students have gained skills and expressed new ideas,” she said.

“The Geraldton art teachers are to be congratulated too as the art departments are vibrant and welcoming.”

Genesis 2022 will be held in the library this year while The Town Hall 1907-1985 and the Banksia Ball 50th Anniversary exhibitions extend their dates due to popular demand.

“With over 300 items on display, taking months of work by our staff, to prepare and research, to gather and display, we decided these exhibitions deserved a longer run,” Ms Baker said.

The Geraldton Regional Library also features an installation of seven prints by Sara Edge titled ‘Flora and Fauna’ at the entrance, previously displayed in Post Office Lane Lightboxes.

“It’s wonderful to draw art into unexpected places and spaces, so perhaps this won’t be the last time GRAG and the Geraldton Regional Library join forces,” Ms Baker said.

The Genesis 2022 exhibition will run from Saturday, December 3 until February 7 with a people’s choice nomination available.

To register your attendance visit Eventbrite.