Artistic visions – the journey of Art at Penrhos 1988 – 2018

by Beverley Bell Former Head of Department

The story of Art at Penrhos is one of colour and inspiration. One of WA’s most productive and successful Art departments has emerged from what was once a small space within the ground level of the old Science block, and grown into the magnificent, purpose-built Creative Arts and Design Centre (CADC) of today. Our highly regarded Art department has developed tremendously over the past three decades, most significantly under the advocacy of former Head of Department Beverley Bell (1988 - 2018). We asked Beverley to share some of her memories and experiences of Art at Penrhos.

My Penrhos Art Family has an exceptional place in my heart; it brings together the accomplished staff, supporters and contributors as well as those fabulous, talented, clever and funny students I taught in my many years at the College. I am constantly in awe of Art students and the spectacular works they create, even when under the pressure of study for other subjects, sometimes having to keep their art projects curtailed to their bedroom, the spare room, or the family kitchen table.

Art exhibition - Jubilee Hall (1999)

I campaigned and advocated for a new purpose-built home for the Art department for many years - in fact, for my entire tenure at Penrhos. My vision was finally realised in 2016, and now the Art department occupies the middle level of the incredible CADC building. I am grateful to all those who made the Creative Arts and Design Centre a reality for future generations of ‘arty’ Penrhosians to enjoy. I am also pleased to have established the Art department, as it is known today, and navigated the monumental move into the new building. I enjoyed several years of teaching in this wonderful environment before my retirement at the end of 2018.

Part of my vision for the new Art department included a gallery space to exhibit student work. The installation of professional hanging rails and lighting into the Art gallery space made this a reality; displaying student works and showcasing Year 12 artworks at the end-of-year graduation exhibition is now a glamorous and streamlined production. In my early years at Penrhos, the end-of-year art exhibition was held in the Jubilee Hall. It was a mammoth event that included a parade of textile garments created in Art classes and work from across the College. A themed entrance space enjoyed by attendees included a life-sized recreation of Vincent van Goh’s painting of his bedroom, larger than life murals of the saints and religious iconography, a nod to Greece with painted pillars and urns and a life-sized cast model of a Greek statue. Those were the days!

I am proud to have instigated the Artist in Residence Program at Penrhos College. My passionate desire was to have WA artists work with our students in their medium of specialty and it continues to this day. Many practising WA artists can include tutoring sessions and a residency on their curriculum vitae and our students’ lives have been substantially enriched by the calibre of these creatives.

Many Penrhos alumni have become very successful artists with their own practice and they are now well-regarded in the WA art scene. Others have become art educators, designers, architects, professional graphic artists, set designers, and so much more. Fundamental to my legacy at Penrhos is that my muchloved ex-students Danielle Glucina, Jess O'Donnell and Julie Kenny are now current staff members. I am delighted that these strong and talented women are helping the next generation of young artists find their voice through a myriad of artistic opportunities and pursuits. “Beverley Bell has been an incredible mentor to me. As a teacher, she was a passionate educator who taught with kindness and patience, encouraging students to explore brave new ideas. I thank her for her tremendous contribution to Art at Penrhos. I know countless Penrhosians have wonderful memories of their time with Miss Bell, including my own.”

Danielle Glucina

Helping Penrhos Art students realise their artistic dreams and find the confidence and determination to pursue their love of the Arts has been a true privilege. I particularly remember a Year 12 Visual Arts student telling me the Penrhos Art department was her ‘safe place’ to come and relax and find support and encouragement. The Penrhos Art department was, and still is, where the creative spirit flourishes and where our artistic students can find nourishment and sanctuary. I sincerely hope it always will be.