KAMBALDA West Regional High School year 8 student, Emily House, has one of her art works on display in the 2008 Young Originals exhibition in Northbridge.

Art works by four year 8 and one year 9 Kambalda West students were submitted for the exhibition which features 86 of the best artworks from public secondary school students across the State.

Kambalda West art treacher Marc Bikin said Emily’s mixed media work was chosen for the exhibition.

“It (having her work selected for a prestigious exhibition) is very good for her (Emily), she is now much more motivated,” Mr Bikin said. “It has boosted her self-confidence.

“She is only young – year 8 – and she was competing against year 12 and year 11 students from other schools so it is a credit to her that her work was chosen for the exhibition.”

He said Emily had only been studying art with him for one semester but had said she now wants to continue art next year.

Her work was inspired by her study of French impressionist painter Claude Monet.

Mr Bikin said he believed it was the first time an art work by a Kambalda West student had been chosen for the annual Young Originals exhibition.

Department of Education and Training director general, Sharyn O’Neill, said the exhibition showcased the wealth of artistic talent found in WA public schools.

“The students who have contributed to Young Originals this year are not only highly creative, but are a great example of the strength of arts programs available in our public schools,” Ms O’Neill said.

“This year I was particularly pleased to see the largest contingent of rural schools contributing to the exhibition in its 18-year history, and a number of schools contributing to Young Originals for the first time, which really goes to show the depth of talent in our schools.

“I congratulate each of the contributing students, their teachers and families for their efforts and support.”

More than 200 artworks were entered this year. They were whittled down to the top 86 by a panel including the Art Gallery of Western Australia’s Peter Lowe, Perth artist David Bailey, and Central TAFE Art Gallery manager Thelma John.

Young Originals is at the Central TAFE Art Gallery, at 12 Aberdeen Street, Northbridge, until October 11.