On Wednesday evening, the Adelaide Perry Gallery welcomed Year 11 Visual Arts students, their families, and friends for the opening of the 2025 exhibition, Riversdale Dreaming. This much-anticipated annual showcase highlights the students’ investigations of the Australian landscape, developed in conjunction with 2025 Artist-in-Residence, Amanda Penrose Hart.
The exhibition features works created as part of a landscape-focused study, inspired by students’ immersive experiences working ‘en plein air’ during an art camp at Arthur Boyd’s Bundanon and the Riversdale Education Centre, located on the Shoalhaven River. These pieces represent the culmination of each student’s exploration of place, environment, and creative process.
The evening began with an Acknowledgement of Country by Jasmine Gifford (Art & Design Captain), followed by a warm welcome from Jen Gair (Gallery Curator). She outlined the vision of PLC Sydney’s Artist-in-Residence program, emphasising the invaluable experience of working alongside an accomplished professional artist.
"Through the program, students are encouraged to embrace the creative process, meet deadlines, persist through challenges, and find meaning in their work," Miss Gair shared.
Amanda Penrose Hart officially opened the exhibition, reflecting on the richness of artistic opportunities available in Australia and the diverse career paths that can follow a Visual Arts education. She praised the high calibre of work on display and thanked the College community for the chance to mentor the next generation of artists.
A highlight of the evening was a video presentation by Matilda Leishman, documenting the art camp experience. Following the screening, Year 11 Visual Arts students Edie Meisner, Sophia Kelleher, Airley Goodridge, and Amelia Knight addressed the audience, offering heartfelt reflections on their creative journeys. They spoke of Amanda’s profound influence on their technical and conceptual development and expressed gratitude for the ongoing support of their teachers, Miss Gair and Ms Knight, throughout the process.
To close the formal proceedings, Miss Gair presented a gift to Amanda Penrose Hart on behalf of the Year 11 Visual Arts cohort, in recognition of her contribution and mentorship throughout the term.
Riversdale Dreaming is open to the public from 8.30 am – 4.00 pm on weekdays until Thursday, 20 June. Visitors are encouraged to vote for their favourite student artwork, with a People’s Choice Award to be announced at the close of the exhibition.