Cranbrook community figures painted in all their glory by local students at Young Archies exhibition

Cranbrook’s youth have been inspired by the 100th anniversary of the Archibald Prize.

Cranbrook Primary School students were tasked with painting prominent figures from the community to teach them the importance of portraiture and its place in Australian culture.

The Cranbrook Hub premiered 42 of the best portraits at the Cranbrook Young Archies exhibition.

Prominent Great Southern artist and Cranbrook Primary School art teacher Carly LeCerf has overseen the students’ acrylic works at one-hour painting workshops in the past month.

“We wanted to give our children a chance to experience the colour and creativity of Australia’s most famous portrait prize by painting their chosen community members in Cranbrook,” Ms LeCerf said.

“Creating a portrait is such a wonderful way to capture the essence of a person, especially if it is someone they know.

“Children have an innate way of doing this, so it will be wonderful for the community to see themselves through the eyes of our local children.” Just like the Archilbald Prize, there are two award categories for students who have presented at the exhibition.

The Packing Room Prize winner will receive a certificate and art supplies, while a people’s choice award will be decided by student vote.