Jayda Williams, Layla Wighton, Riva Hampton and Amelia Morris are just some of the many students who have works on display at the Ambo Gallery. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
First Nations students from 15 of the region’s public schools have come together to launch a new exhibition at The Ambo Gallery.
The exhibition, which will be at the gallery until the beginning of February, features more than 20 pieces.
Students worked on their artworks for the past two school terms and travelled to Ashmont Public School, where mentors helped them with their creative processes.
South Wagga Public School teacher Corrie Shaw was one of the drivers of the art exhibition, helping to organise it.
Ms Shaw said this year’s exhibition was the second held at the Ambo Gallery, however this year’s was significantly bigger, growing from five schools in 2023 to 15 in 2025.
“It’s been an amazing collaboration. This is our second exhibition; our first was two years ago and it’s grown quite a bit since then,” she said.
“We’ve been working on this for about 12 months. We’ve been collaborating with many of the local schools, especially Ashmont Public School, who have so many resources, including their AEO (Aboriginal education officers), SLSOs (school learning support officers) and the learning spaces they provide.
“By working with Ashmont and their willingness to support the network of schools, we’re actually able to provide such a great experience for students and involve them with culture and storytelling.”
Fifteen schools participated in the program. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
Ms Shaw said it was vital for young First Nations people to express their culture through art.
“Seeing them develop across the year has been amazing and this exhibition has been such a great learning experience for them,” she said.
“It’s not just the development of their art, but it’s the development of their connection to culture, their friendships, and just the pride that they show in the work and when it’s displayed.
“The most gratifying thing that I see is the smiles on the faces and just how proud their parents and the community are of their achievements, and for them to stand up and be proud of being a First Nations student is probably my favourite thing.”
South Wagga Public School student Ollie Kelly with his impressive didgeridoo piece. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
Ms Shaw thanked the Ambo Gallery and Eastern Riverina Arts, the owners of the gallery, for allowing them to showcase their works.
“We were the very first display here at the Ambo Gallery back in 2023 when it first opened,” she said.
“We’re very lucky that they (Eastern Riverina Arts) support us every two years to put on this arts exhibition.
“It’s amazing just for public education to show the community the talent within our schools and especially our First Nations students, but it also showcases our staff as well, and the talent that they have to guide and facilitate this type of artwork and artifacts.”
Local First Nations artist Tyronne Hoerler has been aiding the students in their creative processes since the beginning of term three.
Mr Hoerler said it had been one of the most fulfilling projects he had been part of and he was excited for students to continue creating art.
“It’s very good seeing them be able to create their own artworks and just looking at their faces in front of peers and family and just being happy and proud of what they’ve done in the last two terms,” he said.
“It’s important we have these projects because they’re young, and for many of them, this is the start of their journeys in exploring their culture.
“It’s really hard to find places like the Ambo that are willing to show their works for an extended period of time. By having people come in, it gives them confidence and shows them that there is an opportunity for them to pursue art.”
The First Nations Student Exhibition will be on display at the Ambo Gallery, 54-58 Johnston Street, until 1 February 2026.
