Prendiville takes global stage, displaying glasswork at Sculpture by the Sea

29 February 2024

Students from Prendiville Catholic College will be among 71 artists from 14 countries to have their signature glass artwork displayed at the 20th ‘Sculpture by the Sea’ event at Cottesloe beach from 1 to 18 March.

Principal Simon Kanakis said the College’s exhibit was inspired by the students of the Yirri Yaarkin program, which aims to meet the individual and unique cultural needs of Aboriginal students and families at Prendiville.

“The College is extremely proud to have the opportunity for our students to create something that will be showcased at such an iconic beach as Cottesloe and be a part of such a prestigious event celebrating world-class artwork. It is a fantastic occasion for the students to have their work recognised and appreciated on a global scale, and we are honoured to have played a part in making that happen.”

Mr Kanakis said it was important the College uphold its commitment to be environmentally conscious. “As a Catholic College we are always mindful of our impact on the environment. Being stewards of the earth guided by the Gospels, we have made an active decision to use recycled glass and off-cuts that we have from our glass-working studios to create the sculptures.

“The wire has been donated by Nathan Bray (he supplies and services kilns for educational purposes) from off-cuts used to make kilns. If we are to teach students to care for the earth through recycling, then it is imperative that we put these teachings into practise ourselves.”

Titled ‘Standing Tall, Strength in Numbers,’ the sculpture conveys a story of strength through collaboration, community, and connection to a place, encouraging viewers to reflect on the power of collective action.

“Each honey ant made from glass displays a unique artwork that tells a story. Honey ants all work in a team, not in isolation. As a college community we are always collaborating,” Art Technician teacher Kimberley Stuart said.

“Staff and students installed the sculpture at Cottesloe on 27 February and it was lovely to everyone worked so well together to display the playful procession of honey ants along the tree. Through this process of installation is where I have to say our message of collaboration, community, and connection came alive.”

Explaining the concept of the sculpture, FlexED teacher David Hay said the glass ants and bugs was originally part of an introductory class for a Year 8 Glass-working Program where students used off cuts of glass to create bugs.

“The inaugural glass bugs exhibition titled: ‘A Bugs Life’ was displayed in 2021 in the Prendiville Gallery. The College then expanded the concept and engaged the wider community to bring to the life a higher level of sophisticated glass ants which has brought to life our Prendiville Way of feeling: Safe, Happy, Respected and Included.”

To vote for Prendiville Catholic College’s sculpture ‘Standing Tall, Strength in Numbers,’ CLICK HERE.

Slideshow of Prendiville Catholic College's sculpture process.