‘See Why I’ exhibition a hit

Sculpture, paintings, lino prints, photos and street art by students at Mission Australia’s Creative Youth Initiatives (CYI) Artworks! program were unveiled to a crowd of friends, family, staff and art lovers last night at Ultimo TAFE’s Muse Gallery in Sydney.

Titled ‘See Why I’, the exhibition was a crowd pleaser, with plenty of guests snapping up artworks for their own homes, offices and as Christmas gifts. 

The launch also doubled as a graduation for the students, many of whom had spent up to a year at the Surry Hills-based program that assists young people who have experienced challenges such as homelessness, mental health and substance abuse issues, family breakdown and poor educational experiences to develop their creativity and confidence.

Along with the Sounds of the Street music program, Artworks! enables young people to build self-esteem and communication skills. It also provides positive educational experiences and TAFE-accredited certification.

Among the students receiving a graduation certificate was Kaylee, who exhibited a wide range of work, including sculptures, drawings and paintings. She described the program as being “life-changing”.
“I went up to Year 11 at school – and had gone through some difficult times,” Kaylee said.

“This program helped me to get back. I don’t know what I’d have been without it. It’s given me the motivation to do things – and the more you do, the more you enjoy doing it.”
Kaylee is one of five students who received scholarships from the Sir David Martin Foundation.

While some of the scholarship recipients will continue to study art, others - like Kaylee - are putting the funds towards training in other fields, including yoga instruction, hairdressing and secretarial skills.
Another student, Eric, told exhibition guests Artworks! had helped him to become more focused. He also thanked CYI staff and his fellow students for their support, friendship and helping him to grow.

Among his artworks was a brightly painted guitar standing next to a sign that read “It’s okay to touch”. Former student Hallie also spoke at the launch, telling guests how “she hasn’t looked back since CYI”.

“I came in with little to lose and a lot to gain,” she said. “It did so much for my self-esteem and I learnt that everyone is an artist and art is subjective… I wonder where I’d be without CYI restoring my faith in myself.” She now works in childcare and is “passing on her love of art to future generations”.

A huge thank you to Stuart Ghent from Cabana Boys, who graciously stepped in the last-minute to MC last night’s event. Mission Australia would also like to thank everyone who has supported Creative Youth Initiatives throughout the year, including the Sir David Martin Foundation, Alberts, Alcatel Lucent, The Raymond E Purves Foundation, Australian Stockbrokers’ Foundation, Gwynvill Group, The Matana Foundation, The Dunn Family Trust, Barbara Kitto, Anthony Muston, Tim and Jackie Blomfield, Mary Vernon and Robert Albert.

See for yourself
The ‘See Why I’ Artworks! exhibition is open at The Muse Gallery at Ultimo TAFE, 695-731 Harris Street, Ultimo, today until 4pm, on Friday from 9.30pm to 4pm, and on Saturday from 9.30am to 12.30pm. CYI staff and students will be on hand to chat about the program and their work. 

If you can’t make it the gallery, view a selection of photos from the exhibition on Mission Australia’s Facebook page.