Operation Art paints the town – Children’s artworks on display in Cowra

Artworks from the Operation Art program are making their way around NSW as part of the annual Touring 50 Exhibition, with its next stop Cowra.

The Touring 50 Exhibition will be held at Cowra Regional Art Gallery from 23 June – 24 July, and a handover of artworks from the Operation Art bank, created by local students, is occurring on Thursday 24 June.

The Touring 50 Exhibition is a selection of artworks from the 2020 Operation Art exhibition. These works will tour to regional galleries throughout 2021, providing regional schools and communities with the opportunity to view the wonderful artworks created by NSW school students before they find their home at The Children's Hospital at Westmead as part of its permanent collection.

Heidi Windeisen, Operation Art Officer at the NSW Department of Education’s Arts Unit, said the Touring 50 Exhibition was a great example of the Operation Art program’s ability to give students purpose for their art making.

“It’s a highlight for so many students knowing that their art has the potential to hang in a NSW hospital and make someone else’s day a bit brighter. The program gives them a focus for their art making, and a real sense of achievement that will be treasured by many,” she said.

The exhibition is an exciting event in Cowra’s community calendar, and Brian Langer, Gallery Director of Cowra Regional Art Gallery said that the colour and fun the Operation Artworks brought to the outreach exhibition in the community library was a highlight for adults and children alike.

“Displaying the gorgeous artworks by children from across NSW is an honour, and we are really excited for this year’s exhibition,” he said.

A number of artworks from the Operation Art bank, created by local students, will be donated to Cowra Health Services to brighten up the walls permanently.

Local students will attend to present their artworks to Pauline Rowston, Health Service Manager, Cowra and Grenfell Health Services, Don Reid, Chair of the Health Council and Mia Chong, Nurse Manager.

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• Arts and Media