THE work is done and the creations are hung.
Welcome to Art Rules, one of Hazelhurst Regional Gallery and Art Centre's most popular exhibitions.
It features the work of 21 St George and Sutherland Shire high school graduates who wrapped up the year with impressive HSC artworks.
Students embraced different themes, from personal concerns to global issues, through drawings, paintings, photography, sculpture and digital media.
Bethany College graduate Ariana Maric, 17, of Monterey, drew a large scale map of Australia that symbolised "the danger of the unknown and challenges faced by asylum seekers". Her piece is called, Hic Svnt Dracones, which is Latin for "Here be Monsters".
"It links back to pre-colonisation and how Australia has always been a target for immigration," she said.
"I was going to drop art last year, but stayed with it and loved it. It was a nice escape."
Gallery curator Liz Nowell said the standard was exceptional.
"There's so much great work and plenty of diversity to choose from. We get up to about 70 entries and so many people through the exhibition, including other curators.
"It's a good confidence booster for students and helps them find their feet."
The free exhibition ends January 20.
