News

Notre Dame College students’ art goes out of the classroom and into the community

By Taylah Baker

Sep 25, 2025

There’s no shortage of talent at Notre Dame College, and they’re not keeping it within the school walls any more.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

For the first time, the college has taken its VCE art exhibition off-campus, sharing students’ artistry with the broader community by installing their works in the once bare foyer of Riverlinks Eastbank in Shepparton.

However, the biggest display was that of support on Monday, September 15, during the launch of the exhibition.

“I wasn’t expecting as many people as did come,” Year 12 student Katelyn Trevaskis said.

“It was really amazing to see the support from the community.”

Notre Dame College’s Georgie Gustino created two oil-on-canvas portraits titled Idle. Photo by Taylah Baker

Former college staff member and practising artist Carmel Robertson set the tone for the evening with her opening address, in what Notre Dame College media and engagement officer Anthony Brophy described as a “beautiful harmony of the students, teachers and community all together”.

“Carmel was an incredible teacher of art at Notre Dame,” he said.

“Having her exhibitions all around Shepparton and surrounding areas, and then coming back to talk to the students, it’s a really nice synergy all the way through it.”

Among the works is Katelyn’s piece inspired by one of literature’s most recognisable tales: Alice in Wonderland.

Notre Dame College Year 12 student Katelyn Trevaskis with her Alice in Wonderland-inspired artwork, Game of Life. Photo by Taylah Baker

It swirls as much in symbolism as it does in the wielding of charcoal and pastel.

“I think it relates to a period of change, so this piece is about a period of change in my life: becoming an adult, reflecting back on what life was like as a child, while also looking in the mirror and seeing what it’s like today,” Katelyn said.

Fellow Year 12 student Gracielle Igat also self-reflected in her work, creating a multimedia installation that included photography, ceramics and fabric painting.

Whether snapped, sculpted or stroked, all combine to explore the concept of belonging.

“My family migrated to Australia from the Philippines when I was nine years old, and so I’ve always felt stuck between two cultures,” Gracielle said.

“My artwork helps me answer, in between those two cultures and those two identities, where do I stand, where do I belong?”

Additionally, a video series is being shown that features interviews with each student and insights into their creative process.

Notre Dame College’s River Sloper has a deeply personal artwork titled Dad and I on display. Photo by Taylah Baker

Both Katelyn and Gracielle agreed that the work behind the scenes of the college’s media team, as well as the teachers and staff, was no small feat.

“A huge thank you to everyone who’s made it happen,” Gracielle said.

“An insane amount of work has gone into this, and it looks amazing.”

The exhibition remains open at Riverlinks Eastbank for the public to witness the work of the next generation of artists as they explore, question and celebrate the world around them.