On Wednesday 17 June, Adelaide Perry Gallery welcomed Year 11 Visual Arts students, their families, friends and members of the PLC Sydney community to celebrate the opening of Riversdale Dreaming , the annual exhibition showcasing the creative achievements of our Year 11 artists.

The exhibition presents works developed in response to the 2026 Bundanon Art Camp and PLC Sydney's Landscape Art program, alongside works by this year's Artist-in-Residence, contemporary artist Shona Wilson.

Earlier this year, students travelled to Arthur Boyd's Bundanon on the Shoalhaven River for a three-day immersive art camp. Working en plein air within the Australian landscape, students explored observation, experimentation and creative expression while developing ideas for their own bodies of work.

A highlight of the program was the opportunity to work alongside Shona Wilson, whose practice investigates the natural world through intricate assemblages and material explorations. Throughout the camp and during her residency in The Croydon Art Studios, Shona inspired students through her conceptual, environmental and material collaborations with the landscape, encouraging them to look closely at the often-overlooked details of the natural world.

Guests were welcomed to the celebration event at Adelaide Perry Gallery, where the significance of the Artist-in-Residence program and its role in supporting emerging artists was highlighted. The program provides students with the invaluable opportunity to work alongside accomplished practitioners, gaining insight into professional artistic practice while developing resilience, confidence and independence as artists.

The exhibition reflects the depth of engagement, experimentation and creative risk-taking undertaken by the students throughout the program. Drawing inspiration from the Bundanon landscape and their experiences working with Shona, the students produced a diverse range of works that demonstrate both technical skill and individual artistic voice.

We are incredibly proud of the standard of work created by our Year 11 Visual Arts students and exhibited alongside Shona's ceramic, natural and ephemeral works. The exhibition is a testament to their commitment, creativity and willingness to embrace the challenges of developing a sustained body of work in preparation for their HSC studies.

The annual Bundanon Art Camp and Artist-in-Residence program remains a highlight of the Year 11 Visual Arts experience, immersing students in the legacy of Australian artists while connecting them with inspiring contemporary practitioners. Through these experiences, students are encouraged to deepen their understanding of artistic practice, engage meaningfully with the Australian landscape and develop confidence in their own creative journeys.

Congratulations to all Year 11 Visual Arts students on this outstanding achievement, and thank you to Shona Wilson for her generous mentorship, expertise and inspiration throughout the program.

Riversdale Dreaming continues at Adelaide Perry Gallery until Monday 22 June 2026. Visitors are warmly invited to view the exhibition and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our young artists.