Around 100 artworks by 30 young street artists will head indoors this month at the Arts Centre in Port Noarlunga.
The artists are part of Spray Society Ink, formed in January this year. So far, around 60 young people aged up to 26 years have participated in the program.
Artist Bodie Mildwaters joined the group to get more creative. They craft colourful art that portrays personal feelings.
Kaela Forbes says the group has been something to look forward to. They create cartoon-style works that explore the ideas of positive mental health, the positive and the negative, Yin and Yang.
“There’s always a different side to every story,” Kaela says.
Originally focussing on aerosol art, the Spray Society Ink, run at Studio 20 Youth Centre, has now expanded to include all areas of street art.
“Street art is a really creative and free medium. It continues to develop in terms of size, style and subject matter. Anything goes, really,” says Carly Snoswell, Youth Arts Program Officer at the City of Onkaparinga.
“The young people have worked really hard.
“They’ve honed their skills in aerosol art with the guidance of Spray Society Ink mentors – established and emerging street artists such as Thomas Readett, Leah Grant, Adam Poole-Mottishaw, Zhaine Reynolds and Mark Twohig.
“This exhibition isn’t typical, and we’ll be showcasing all aspects of the artists’ creative journeys.
“There are very polished pieces, practice boards, sketches and more. You can expect to see almost 100 artworks by at least 30 young artists and mentors.”
Spray Society Ink offers young people avenues to be creative and participate in the community – helping them find legal ways to practise their street art.
It also offers work opportunities. An increasing number of businesses and organisations are commissioning murals, which makes street and aerosol art excellent career pathways for young artists.
Spray Society Ink was launched with a Project and Development Grant from Carclew. The program concludes at the end of 2023, however Studio 20 will continue to offer an art space for young people to learn and practise their skills in a variety of mediums.
See the Studio 20 website for information on other programs and events.
The exhibition runs from 6 October to 6 November 2023, coinciding with Mental Health Month, at the Arts Centre, 22 Gawler Street, Port Noarlunga. Entry is free.
Pictured
From concrete to canvas: Tay, Zhaine (group mentor), Michala, Bodie and Tobias