FOR Gembrook artist Peter Biram his passion for art extends well beyond his own work.
The announcement that the work of three of his students, as well as his own, had been chosen to be part of the Hidden Faces of the Archibald exhibition this year was, as Peter puts it, "simply incredible''.
"For me, given that I'm a teacher and very passionate about the future of the arts in Australia, seeing my students' works chosen to be part of this exhibition is just wonderful.
"If I get chosen to be part of an exhibition like this then the excitement will last for about five minutes, but if it is one of my students, and in this case it is three of my students, then the excitement is going to last a lot longer, probably the whole year.''
Though passionate about art and the environment, Peter's true passion lies in art education and ensuring there is a future for the artists of tomorrow.
His work at Central Gippsland Institute of TAFE as teacher of diploma of visual arts is what truly motivates him.
"The success of my students is enough motivation for me on a personal level.
"What is more important though is using the students' success as a vehicle to promoting the arts and arts exhibitions.''
Each year he has encouraged his students to enter their work into competitions. "When I say to them I want you to enter the Archibald, the first thing they say is 'we are not good enough' because most of them have this perception that their work is not worthy.
"Only around 2 to 3 per cent of tertiary arts students follow their career in art, but I think it is the students themselves who have the power and destiny to change the outcome.
"It starts with getting out there and doing it.''
Peter says he is in "absolute despair'' over the support of arts in Australia.
"It's almost scandalous. It's so disappointing that the State Government has a particular attitude towards arts.
"They are closing ceramics departments across the state, arts courses are closing, and all because they say art is not of any vocational worth. That it's on a need-to-need basis. You expect a change in wind, but there isn't any change.''
Peter's portrait of Olympic walker Nathan Deeks was his fifth entry into the Archibald Prize in as many years and the fourth time his work has been selected for the Hidden Faces of The Archibald exhibition.
It will be hung among such works on varied subjects such as dancer and TV personality Paul Mercurio, comedian Denise Scott, actor Shane Jacobson and musical trio The Stiletto Sisters.
For Gippsland TAFE student Ursula Theinert, this is the third time her work has been selected for exhibition.
She joins Janette Arnold-Collins and Carolyn Henry will all have their work displayed. The works will be on display at the Park Hyatt Melbourne until July 6.
Ursula's 2008 piece is a portrait of fellow artist Kerrie Warren. Ursula was herself the subject of Janette's portrait entry.
"To my knowledge, a TAFE graduate has previously been chosen to display work in the Archibald, but that person was already three years or so out of college. The fact that three of my current students have been accepted into the Hidden Faces of the Archibald exhibition is simply wonderful,'' says Peter.
"It is incredible that three of my students have been chosen to display their works among some of Victoria's most renowned artists,'' says Peter.
"Part of my work as an art teacher is to develop my students as working artists, to encourage them to enter their work into art prizes and see what happens. To let the art establishments judge their work.''
The Hidden Faces of the Archibald exhibition, known in art circles as the Victorian Salon des Refuses, will be held this year at Melbourne's Park Hyatt and draws almost as much interest as the Archibald Prize itself.
It was originally held as a break-away exhibition by French Impressionists during the 1860s and the pieces included each year often create as much debate due to their omission from the final selection in the Archibald Prize.
Visitors to Hidden Faces are asked to vote on their personal favourites for entry into the People's Choice awards. This year there are around 34 pieces to choose from.
Hidden Faces of the Archibald 2008 is at Park Hyatt Melbourne, adjacent to Parliament Square, Melbourne, until Sunday, July 6. Entry is free. Details: 0408 598 666.
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