As the major ARTBOURNE exhibition is held every two years, in the “in-between” year Wellesley hosts an Artist Residency.

The first five resident artists we have hosted have been painters and sculptors, – Wayne Youle 2010, Ben Timmins 2013, and Sam Duckor-Jones 2015, Richard Adams 2017 and Natchez Hudson 2019. While in 2021, we welcome ‘artist-in-nature’ illustrator, William (Billy) Carden-Horton.

Billy is an inspired artist and photographer with infectious energy and enthusiasm. Some of you may recognise his iconic art collaborations with the Icebreaker brand.  A link to Billy’s full artist bio is available here. Billy’s residency took place at Wellesley for four weeks during August/September 2021. However, due to heightened Covid risk, we have had to make the tough decision (on Mon 18th October) to cancel this exhibition. Despite this, under Wellesley’s community service initiative ‘Create for Cause’ our boys created fantastic artworks during Student ARTWEEK in September 2021 and despite not being able to show their art, we would be delighted if families could make a donation to our  ‘Create for a Cause’ Mental Health Foundation fundraising page. This is a key part of encouraging Wellesley’s service initiatives in the community.

Wellesley is proud that art is such a key part of it’s curriculum. The school boasts a large, airy art studio and this, coupled with the stunning location between the bush and the sea, creates a great physical environment in which creativity can be nurtured.  Glen Jorna, Visual Arts Specialist Teacher and a successful artist himself, welcomes a collaboration with the resident artist in his lessons with the boys. Moreover, the artist residency allows the boys to experience and work alongside an artist throughout their creative process.  This has provided yet another dimension to the boys’ art experience at Wellesley.

2021 Artist in Residence, William (Billy) Carden-Horton (right) with Glen Jorna (left) and Wellesley boys during an art class

We welcome you to support our Fundraising Page as part of the boys’ community service initiative ‘Create for Cause.’  100% of donations made directly to this page will go to the Mental Health Foundation.  Contributions are eligible for 33.33% tax rebates.  Further, if you are interested in purchasing any of Billy’s work, please let us know or contact Billy directly.

We also acknowledge our generous 2021 partners who have helped make this programme and exhibition possible – ANZ, Bayleys Real Estate (Bhakti Mistry), Exhibition Hire Services, Garage Project, Matahiwi Estate Wines and the Wellesley Parents Association.  Thank you all so much, we couldn’t do this initiative without you.

Friends of ARTBOURNE