When Michelle, now know as Mrs Young, was completing her visual arts major works for her Higher School Certificate at Taree High School, she wasn’t thinking about becoming a high school art teacher, she was focusing on being an artist.

Her works was one of the 100 chosen to be part of “The Hanging of Art” exhibition at MRAG, highlighting the best HSC works from around the region.

After high school, in a decision based on making an income, she studied to become an art teacher and since then has had several of her students’ major works chosen for the annual Art Express exhibition; a showcase of HSC works representing best practice in visual arts education, celebrating student achievement and connecting communities through visual arts. 

This year the MRAG has snagged the exhibition during its regional tour and two of Michelle’s students, from Bowral High School will have works display in the same location where her HSC works once hung.

Michelle will be returning home for the opening.

“I’m so excited,” Michelle said. “It’s a very proud moment for myself and my students.”

Michelle is encouraging everyone in the community to take the opportunity to see the exhibition.

“The artworks the HSC students create are extraordinary,” Michelle said.

The Art Express exhibition runs from May 18 until June 24, with the officially opening on Friday, May 19 at 2pm.

Manning Regional Art Gallery is located at 12 Macquarie Street, Taree and is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm.

Entry to Art Express is free.