Older Students Create Original Wildlife Prints
Throughout Term Two, our older Art Box Workshops students (ages 9–12) developed their printmaking skills while creating highly individual artworks inspired by animals and the environment.
Students began by researching, sketching and refining their own designs before transferring their drawings onto lino blocks. They then learned specialist relief printmaking techniques, including carving, colour selection, and hand-tinting their final prints.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was seeing many students independently choose Australian threatened species as the focus of their artwork.
Subjects included:
- Green Sea Turtle
- Australian Sea Lion
- Green and Golden Bell Frog
- Eastern Blue Groper
- Squirrel Glider
- Weedy Sea Dragon
Through the creative process, students explored not only the visual characteristics of these remarkable animals but also the conservation challenges they face in the wild.
Each artwork reflects the student’s individual artistic voice while helping to raise awareness of Australia’s unique biodiversity.
Preparing Artwork for Competition Entry
Students are encouraged to continue developing their projects during the school holidays by preparing artist statements and entering their artworks into the 2026 Wild at Art Competition.
Learning how to write an artist statement is an important part of an artist’s journey. It encourages students to reflect on their creative decisions, communicate their ideas and advocate for species and environments they care about.
Art Box Workshops has been fortunate to have student artworks selected as finalists in the Wild at Art Competition every year since 2016, demonstrating the power of combining artistic skill with meaningful environmental storytelling.
Participation in competitions also helps students build confidence, resilience and presentation skills while gaining valuable experience sharing their work with wider audiences.
Celebrating Student Success
We are also delighted to celebrate one of our current students, Eddie, whose self-portrait, created during our Term 4 portraiture program in 2025, was selected as a finalist in the 2026 Young Archie Competition.
Eddie’s artwork is currently on display at the Art Gallery of New South Wales after being selected from more than 4,000 entries from across Australia.
Achievements such as these demonstrate how dedication, creativity and regular artistic practice can lead to extraordinary opportunities for young artists.
We look forward to supporting our students as they continue to develop their artworks and share their conservation messages through the Wild at Art Competition and beyond.
Please take a look at the collaborative group artworks that I will be entering on behalf of our youngest students for the Wild at Art Competition.
Painting a brighter future for the green sea turtles
and the great Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat
