The exceptional talents of young local artists will feature in two new exhibitions to open this weekend at Redland Art Gallery, as the Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Arts come to Cleveland and a unique series of paintings inspired by Ancient Greece opens at Capalaba.

Acting Redland City Mayor Wendy Boglary said the exhibitions profiled the depth of artistic talent in the Redlands, both within local secondary schools and the community.

“We’re delighted to host the Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art exhibition for the South East region at the Cleveland gallery, which is presented by the Department of Education and Training in partnership with Redland Art Gallery,” she said.

“Showcasing the talents of visual arts students from across the South East region, this year’s exhibition features works by 50 students from 31 schools, including 18 students from seven Redland schools.

“With colourful watercolours and oil paintings, stunning photography and thought-provoking installations, these awards recognise and promote excellence in senior visual art education in Queensland, with the program helping to raise community awareness of the high standard and technical competence of visual art education in state and non-state secondary schools.

“Award winners from the South East region will be announced at the opening of our exhibition on Sunday 11 September at 11am, with all excellence awarded artworks to feature at QAGOMA in 2017.”

Cr Boglary said an exhibition of paintings highlighting Greek culture and everyday life from the past civilisation would open on Saturday at the Capalaba gallery.

“Redland artist Dwight Ricketts has created a unique series of paintings to take us on an historical journey through Ancient Greece,” she said.

“As a young man living with Asperger syndrome, Dwight uses his art to express his views and feelings.

“A self-confessed history buff, Dwight uses art as an avenue to express what he reads and how he sees the world, with his ability fostered through his involvement in an art group at the Community Arts Precinct at Wellington Point.”

Join the official opening and awards presentation of Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Arts on Sunday 11 September at 11am at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland.

To RSVP, please call 3030 4163 or email gallery@redland.qld.gov.au by Wednesday 7 September.

The Parthenon, Dwight Ricketts.

Dwight Ricketts: Ancient Greece will be on show from Saturday 10 September until Saturday 8 October at the Redland Art Gallery, Capalaba, in conjunction with Disability Action Week 2016 (11-17 September). A floor talk and morning tea with the artist will be held on Thursday 15 September at 10.30am.

Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland is located on the corner of Middle and Bloomfield streets, and at Capalaba Place, Noeleen Street, Capalaba.