14 Kangan Institute visual merchandising students recently participated in the National Gallery of Victoria’s ‘Best of the Best’ fundraising exhibition in an inspiring display of creativity, talent and philanthropy.
Organised by the National Gallery of Victoria Women’s Association (NGVWA), the exhibition was open to public on 12-13 May and featured 40 of Australia’s top creative talents and their interpretation of table art.
The diploma students worked with local fashion design team M.A.D Projects, made up of designers Melissa Jackson and Anastasia Raft, who were invited to exhibit. M.A.D’s brief to the students involved coming up with design ideas for an Alice in Wonderland meets mental asylum centerpiece.
“The students excelled in this project and gained a valuable insight into the demands and expectations of a ‘real life’ industry brief whilst building their skills and abilities in a professional working environment,” said Melissa, who also teaches fashion design at Kangan Institute.
Rachael Gammon’s and Domitille (Domi) Le Rall’s ideas were chosen by M.A.D and the duo, alongside visual merchandising teacher Kate Carroll, led their peers to build a chandelier sculpture centrepiece incorporating elements of medical supplies and Alice in Wonderland themes.
“It means a lot and I was really honoured that I was chosen,” said Rachael.
“To work in the NGV is just a great opportunity to put on my resume and folio – and this is a big story in my folio. I’m just really humbled that I got chosen.”
Domi also shared her delight with the experience and highlighted the hands-on value of her Kangan Institute training.
“It was really nice and I was really happy to see the project finally finished,” said Domi.
“We had a lot of real projects like this. That’s what I really liked and why I chose this school – they put you in the work world very soon with a lot of different job experiences and projects.”
Funds raised will be donated to the National Gallery of Victoria, which also supports scholarships for promising students of the Victorian College of the Arts.
