We have all thought our children's artworks belonged in a gallery but that wish came true for our youngest artists recently.
Artworks created by students from Sutherland Shire's 15 community preschools were exhibited at Hazelhurst Arts Centre's Broadhurst Gallery recently.
Sutherland Shire Preschool Alliance: Early Explorers of Art Elements featured the works of children from each community-based preschool in Sutherland Shire.
Each preschool chose one art element as a focus for creating individual and combined artworks to express their understanding of the world around them.
The process of generating each artwork was guided by a local artist, who worked alongside early childhood teachers to "fully immerse each child in the joy of creating".
The exhibition showcased the skills and abilities of young children as they explored a variety of mediums and techniques using the seven elements of art: line, shape, space, value, form, texture and colour.
Preschools give children access to a variety of art experiences, both through intentional teaching of art skills and free choice.
Sutherland Shire Mayor Steve Simpson visited the exhibition on its final day on Tuesday and said it was great to see the "imaginative work of some of our youngest creators".
"Judging by the artworks on display, it's clear that we have some real creative talent among our local preschool students, and no doubt some incredible educators who have inspired them along the way," councillor Simpson said.
"It's fantastic that our youngest residents are granted the opportunity to have their work displayed among the many other great artistic works at Hazelhurst.
"This experience will no doubt fire up their creativity and love of the arts for many years to come."