Designs on a brighter future

Teenagers who have landed on the wrong side of the law will show their creative skills as part of a new art exhibition opening in Wollongong tomorrow night.

The students, who have all been held at Keelong Juvenile Justice Centre in Unanderra at some point in the last year, will show an exhibition of prints they designed and manufactured with the help of the centre’s John Richardson School.

The School aims to fill gaps in the education of the 15-18-year-olds who pass through the centre and focuses on numeracy and literacy, while also getting the students involved with art.

Teacher Luciano ‘Looch’ Valeo said the art program and the upcoming exhibition gives the youngsters a chance to express themselves in a positive way.

“Art and printmaking gives them a chance to express themselves positively and there is a good buzz (amongst them) with the exhibition coming up,” he said, “It’s a good chance for them to be seen in a positive light in the community that they possibly terrorised.”

A few years ago students at the school got to design the panels on the outside of the Wollongong City Gallery.

Mr Valeo said at the time members of the community were impressed by the quality of the works.

These projects can help people see the artists as individuals rather than just offenders, he said.

Some of the artists who have left Keelong since taking part in the program may attend the launch of the exhibition tomorrow night.

Even current students may be allowed to attend if they can get permission, Mr Valeo said.

The exhibition is called Tick Box Kids and runs from the May 14 to 25 at Project Contemporary Artspace in Wollongong.

Opening night is tomorrow May 16 from 6.30 to 7pm and all are welcome to attend.

Victoria Keighery CEO, Community Cultural Development NSW will be the event’s guest speaker.