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Students from Prep to Year 6 at MLC are showcasing their artistic talents beyond the classroom through a wonderful initiative, thanks to a creative partnership with a local cafe. ��

At The Faculty in Hawthorn, located just across the road from the College, students involved in the Junior School Art Club have transformed the business into a vibrant display of colour. Cafe owner Michael generously offered wall space for a rotating exhibition of student work, giving our young artists an authentic audience for their creations. ��

The idea sparked when Michael, encouraged by an MLC parent, approached Junior School teacher Ms Danette Elice, with the idea of brightening up the cafe’s interior. ��

As part of their lunchtime Art Club sessions, students were invited to depict fun, happy scenes associated with the local coffee shop. The brief was simple: make it bright, colourful and joyful. From there, the students were free to choose their own materials, subjects and styles, resulting in a playful and heartwarming collection of artworks.��

The enthusiasm was so strong that students regularly stayed beyond scheduled sessions to add finishing touches to their contributions. The finished pieces were later assembled into collaborative collages and framed for display.��

“There is nothing better than having an authentic audience for your work!” Danette says, “The girls didn't need any encouragement and would come in most days at lunch—even when it wasn't our designated art club day—to participate.”��

A standout feature of the pop-up gallery is its student-led approach. Each term, future themes are decided through a lucky dip system, where students submit their own ideas to keep the exhibitions fresh and exciting. This student voice ensures that every new display reflects the passions and imagination of MLC’s young artists. It also means there’s always something new to see — a wonderful reason for families and community members to keep coming back.��

The reactions from students and café visitors alike have been overwhelmingly positive. Michael often shares stories of young artists proudly pointing out their artwork to family and friends, and customers stopping to admire the��work, often sparking new conversations within the café.��

Beyond the excitement of creating and exhibiting their work, the project also highlights the importance of authentic opportunities for young artists.��

“Giving students authentic opportunities to interact with the wider community and see their work on display is a great endorsement that people value their contribution, that they are talented, that they have something to share and communicate, that we are part of a caring community, but most of all, that they are artists.”��

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