The 'Imagine – Youth Art Exhibition' is currently on display at the Erina Centre, Erina Fair, until May 30, showcasing works by students from Erina and Terrigal High Schools. Organized by the Erina Rotary Club in partnership with The Arcade Gallery, eMerge, and Central Coast Council, the exhibition celebrates youth culture through mixed media and technology. A People's Choice Award, sponsored by Eckersley's, allows the public to vote for their favorite artwork via QR code until May 25, with prizes of $100 and $50 vouchers. Teachers, council youth services, and Rotary members collaborated to curate and support the event, which includes collaborative pieces from Year 7 and 8 students exploring magical themes, landscapes, still life, and portraits.
This exhibition matters because it provides a professional platform for young local artists to present their work to the broader community, fostering self-expression and encouraging future careers in the creative arts. By integrating traditional techniques with digital tools, it highlights the evolving nature of youth creativity and the importance of community support in nurturing emerging talent. The event also strengthens local cultural engagement through accessible, free public display and interactive voting, reinforcing the role of grassroots initiatives in art education and community building.