BY DI SNEDDON
One of the ultimate goals for Higher School Certificate students is a top mark, but for art students there is another much desired outcome.
Nicole French has been teaching the subject at Singleton High for 17 years and this year she is celebrating the success of not one, but three students, who have been nominated for the prestigious Art Express.
Students Teagan Rundle, Desiyer Brace and Olivia Lloyd had their exceptional works nominated for NSW Art Express, the top honour any Year 12 art student can aspire for.
Art Express selects HSC major works for potential inclusion in exhibits at prestigious galleries around the state including the New South Wales Art Gallery in Sydney.
The nomination itself is worthy of celebration and Nicole could not be more pleased.
Twice before she has had students work selected but this year, having three, is unheard of for any school.
“I had a student’s work selected in 2014 and another a couple of years prior but to have three in one go is a career highlight for me,” Nicole shared with The Hunter River Times.
Nicole praised the talents of all her students but was particularly humbled to receive a note from Desiyer Brace, one of her students, who thanked her for knowing when to push and knowing when to step back.
Whether the artworks are selected by the exclusive gallery directors for exhibition is somewhat of a lottery.
Gallery directors choose works that fit in with their select exhibitions so it is a matter of whether the topic or style meets the brief, not directly associated with the standard of work.
“It can be a bit of a lotto so the celebration is now, to be selected for Art Express is a magnificent achievement,” Nicole said.
Congratulations to Teagan, Desiyer and Olivia but massive recognition must also be given to Nicole French, a teacher with talent, heart and passion for her students to succeed.
