The past few weeks have been an exciting time for eight of our students from The Learning Connexion, with our learners sharing their work with the public at the vibrant Wellington Art Show and now continuing the momentum in a new exhibition ‘Octave’ at LAB Gallery.
The Wellington Art Show: a professional milestone for students
The Wellington Art Show is always a highlight on the local arts calendar, bringing together artists from across the region and welcoming thousands of visitors over the weekend. This year, eight TLC representatives from Levels 5 – 7 (Aroha Koia, Jackson Hood, Sarah Andrews, Sarah Laidlery, Louis Mikaere, Joanne Sim, Joke Gossey and Warren Mills) had the opportunity to exhibit their work, showcasing the diverse range of creative practices that emerge from our studios.
The Wellington Art Show ran from 27th Feb – 1st March, and our learners had insightful conversations with visitors about their paintings, printmaking and ceramics, each piece reflecting the unique voice and creative journey of the artist behind it. For many of our students, exhibiting at a large public event like this is an important milestone, a chance to experience the energy of the art world, connect with new audiences, and gain confidence in presenting their work professionally.
Throughout the weekend, our artists spent time talking with visitors about their process, sharing stories behind their work, and building connections that often continue well beyond the show itself.
Octave – new exhibition highlighting TLC talent at LAB Gallery
The excitement hasn’t stopped there. Our group of eight learners are now exhibiting in a new show titled ‘Octave’ at LAB Gallery at TLC, bringing their work into a gallery setting where audiences can spend more time engaging with the pieces.
This exhibition highlights the ongoing creative development of our students and the breadth of approaches they explore through their studies. From bold contemporary works to thoughtful and experimental pieces, the show demonstrates how creativity can take many forms when artists are encouraged to follow their curiosity and develop their own voice.
Expanding creative horizons at The Learning Connexion
Experiences like these reflect what makes studying at The Learning Connexion so special. Creativity here isn’t confined to a creativity studio – it moves out into the world through exhibitions, events, collaborations, and opportunities to share work with the wider community. This process is about building confidence, learning how to talk about their work, connecting with audiences, and becoming part of the creative culture of Aotearoa.
We’re incredibly proud of the artists who took part in the Wellington Art Show and those now exhibiting at LAB Gallery. Their dedication, curiosity, and willingness to share their creative journeys continue to inspire our community. We are so grateful for this opportunity that The Wellington Art Show provides our students.
