The Christmas Story Art Exhibition and Competition celebrated its 20th year with the opening of a special anniversary exhibition at the University of Notre Dame on Sunday. 

This year, more than 500 artworks were submitted for judging from Sydney Catholic Schools, Catholic Education Office Bathurst and the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. 

Of those artworks, 92 were selected for display at the exhibition with 32 being given awards across various categories.

“Over many years now, this competition has helped young people encounter the Christmas story not just as something they learn, but something they experience, reflect on, and make their own,” said Anthony Cleary, Director of Mission and Identity at Sydney Catholic Schools.

“The students’ artwork reveals a depth of insight that continually inspires us. Their creativity opens up new ways of appreciating this special time of Advent and the birth of Jesus, and understanding its relevance today.”

Since its beginning, the competition has invited students in Years 5 and 6 to deepen their understanding of the Nativity by interpreting scripture through visual art and a written reflection. 

Blending artistic expression with religious learning, the competition encourages students to explore Christ’s birth in a personal and meaningful way.

Artworks are judged on artistic merit, originality, conceptual understanding, composition, and emotional engagement.

Villa Maria Catholic Primary School Hunters Hill Year 5 student Zara Wehbe was the deserving recipient of the coveted Archbishop’s Choice Award for her artwork, I Surrender. 

“My art piece is based on the Scripture passage, ‘The Annunciation’. This artwork symbolises Mary surrendering to God as she finds out she will soon be a mother to the Son of God,” she explained. 

“I tried to capture the emotions and feelings of all of the characters in the passage Luke 1:26–38, The Annunciation. The flowers thickening as they fall down the veil represent Mary’s spiritual growth as her faith deepens, and she succumbs to the Joyful Mystery.” 

Taking home the Executive Director’s Award this year was Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School Clifton Gardens Year 6 student Andreas Georgeous for his pencil sketch, A Whisper of Light.

“I was inspired to create this sketch because of my time at church. Attending is my choice and my commitment, and I go with my family. It’s a space where I feel connected, grounded, and reminded of what matters,” he said. 

“Drawing this piece was challenging, it started rough and took a long time to refine. But I stayed with it, just as Mary stayed with her calling.” 

The exhibition will remain open to the public at the University of Notre Dame until Saturday 6 December. 

Photos by Giovanni Portelli Photography