A celebration of the arts

We finally were able to celebrate a reimagined MAYO Festival on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October after its postponement in May due to COVID-19. Although some event restrictions were still in place, it was a fantastic opportunity for our students and some of our community to come together, either virtually or at the school, to celebrate the arts through our Gallery exhibition, creative workshops, dance and music performances. Throughout 2020 there have been very few performance opportunities for our students. Therefore, it was important that MAYO proceed in a format that would afford the students a chance to celebrate all things art, dance and music and to do so with an audience. So, on Friday 9 October, the school came alive with the sound of music with a “Soaring Upwards” festival held on Circular Drive. Students shared orchestra, ensemble, choral and music performances, with the program recorded for families to view later, so that all members of our St Margaret’s community could share in the artistic celebration. The students revelled in the performances and, in a joyous finale to the day, danced and sang along to the Rock Band’s rendition of I did it all in a wonderful display of school spirit. The performers sported MAYO t-shirts donning an original print design created by Year 9 student Sophia Connor. The print was a hand carved mandala design based on birds, apt for the students’ “Soaring Upwards” festival. The Gallery exhibition, which was again supported by Australia’s leading design destination Cult, showcased three-dimensional art by 32 Queensland sculptors, jewellers, ceramicists and glass artists. More than 300 pieces were curated for the exhibition which also included a series of stunning lino prints created by our Year 9 students. Observing physical distancing, 90 guests in total were treated to an exclusive preview of the exhibition on the Friday evening, attending across two sessions. The next day, the Gallery exhibition was enjoyed by many who relished the opportunity to browse the artwork on display as well as our community market stalls, while also enjoying a bite to eat, a complimentary coffee, courtesy of Bernborough Ascot Retirement Living, or a cold beverage. Creative workshops, including pottery, resin jewellery making and terrariums, were also held during our celebration of the arts, providing students with the opportunity to be inspired creatively and learn new skills. Thank you to all that supported this year’s reimagined MAYO, whether through sharing in your daughter’s performance, supporting our artists in the Gallery exhibition or purchasing raffle tickets. The event also had the support of several partners who remained steadfast in their commitment during these uncertain times. Thank you to Adrians, Hinterland House, Ocean Dynamics, Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort, Bernborough Ascot Retirement Living, Cult, Brisbane City Council, The Van That Can, Barambah Organics and Clear Insurance, as well as those businesses that supported our MAYO Raffle including Racecourse Road Dental, Brisbane Racing Club, Archie Bros Cirque Electriq, Keri Craig, Brisbane Safes, Ciao Papi, Athlete’s Foot, The Goodnight Company and Dapple + Waver. We’re incredibly lucky to have shared in a reimagined version of our artistic celebration this year and cannot wait until 2022 when we hope to bring MAYO back in its full glory.