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. VISIT THE VIRTUAL GALLERY HERE

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 …

For centuries, art and faith have walked hand in hand— inviting us to transcend the everyday, marvel at life’s wonders, and to express our deepest and most important beliefs. 

It’s a connection that was on full and bright display as the 2024 Christmas Story Art Exhibition and Competition opened at the University of Notre Dame on Sunday.

Now in its 19th year, the competition calls on students in Years 5 and 6 to showcase both their artistic talent and their relationship with their faith through the Christmas Story. 

To help students see how the birth of Jesus is relevant and personal to their lives, they are invited to write a short reflection on a chosen scripture passage and create art to express this reflection. Their artworks are then based on their artistic merit and personal self-reflection.

Over 400 artworks were submitted for judging this year from students from across 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 23 being given awards across various categories.  CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE THE VIRTUAL EXHIBITION

Ivy, a Year 6 student at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Primary School Sefton, was the recipient of the Executive Director’s Award for her piece titled ‘The Glorious Night’, which depicts the visit of the Magi from Matthew 2:9-12. 

“For this artwork I have predominantly used watercolour. Oil pastel was then applied to help blend the foreground of desert dunes and plants as well as highlighting the background of the vivid night’s sky,” Ivy said.  

“Most people give Christmas gifts because it’s ‘that time of the year.’ but instead of waiting for their gift of their saviour, …

Some of the state’s most exciting young artistic talent was on display as the 2023 Christmas Story Art Exhibition and Competition opened at the University of Notre Dame on Sunday.

Now in its 18th year, the exhibition invites students in Years 5 and 6 to showcase both their artistic talent and their connection to their faith. 

This year, thousands of students across Sydney Catholic Schools participated in the competition.

Along with the selected entries from the Dioceses of Bathurst and Wollongong, and Catholic students from government schools, 493 artworks were submitted for judging this year, with 100 being displayed at the exhibition and 23 being awarded prizes.   CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE THE VIRTUAL EXHIBITION

Students engaged in the Sydney Religious Education Curriculum and verses from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke to produce artworks and accompanying reflections that spoke to their understanding of the Christmas story.

Regina Coeli Catholic Primary School Beverly Hills student Luke was awarded the Executive Director’s Trophy for his piece The Star Leads the Way. 

Luke said his artwork, portrays the Magi’s journey to Bethlehem in search of Jesus, was inspired by the idea of togetherness and friendship. 

“The Magi are loyal, dedicated and work well as a team, qualities which reflect the relationship I have with my best mates who alway stand up for me and stick together,” he said. 

“I was influenced by Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night adopting a similar colour scheme and flowing lines, which highlight the beautiful cityscape of Bethlehem.” 

The exhibition is open to the public at the University of Notre Dame until Saturday, 9 December from 10:00am to 4:00pm.  CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE THE VIRTUAL EXHIBITION …