Media release | Moonee Valley’s emerging creatives shine at Fireworks and Bright Sparks 2025 exhibition opening night
Incinerator Gallery held its annual Fireworks exhibition opening and awards ceremony on Friday, 14 November at the historic Crown Street Stables in Flemington. Elin Oveisi was the recipient of the Fireworks Art Award for Tabriz, Iran, 2010 and Mary Doufas was announced the winner of the Fireworks Design Award for Lotus Modular Solution – Domestic Violence Refuge.
Now in its thirteenth year, Fireworks showcases the accomplishments of high achieving art and design students in Years 11 and 12 who live, work or study in Moonee Valley. Across various media including drawing, painting, fashion and sculpture, the exhibition showcases the achievements of their creative and critical thinking throughout the school year.
The exhibition represents the gallery’s commitment to arts education and facilitating an inspiring, inclusive space for young artist communities.
The shortlisted works were judged by artist Olivia Chin and artist and multi-disciplinary artist Penelope Bartlau.
Moonee Valley Mayor, Dr Rose Iser selected and presented the Mayoral Award for Excellence in Art to Samantha Gelsomino for Hiding in Normalcy and the Mayoral Award for Excellence in Design to Aidan Borg McGlone for Lieni.
Also showing alongside Fireworks is Bright Sparks, a poster exhibition for Moonee Valley students from Prep to Year 10, in response to the theme ‘My Special Place’.
Mayor Dr Rose Iser selected and presented the Mayoral Award for Bright Sparks to Lachie Wiseman for A handy piece of artwork and judges Penelope Bartlau and Olivia Chin awarded the Incinerator Bright Sparks award to Alexis Mantzis for Happy place to fly.
Visitors to the exhibition can vote for their favourite work to determine the winner of the Fireworks People’s Choice Award, presented at the end of the exhibition.
Fireworks and Bright Sparks is showing at Crown Street Stables until Saturday, 29 November.
Image: Fireworks 2025, installation view. Photo from opening night by Jorge de Araujo.
Incinerator Gallery is a platform for unique cultural experiences that connects society through art and design. It welcomes communities, art professionals, and people of all ages interested in art and design. Incinerator Gallery champions new creative perspectives that strengthen communities.
Image: Fireworks 2025 Design Award winner, Mary Doufas. Photo from opening night by Jorge de Araujo.
Incinerator Gallery
A: 180 Holmes Road, Aberfeldie, VIC, 3040
PH: 9243 1750
W: incineratorgallery.com.au
E: incinerator@mvcc.vic.gov.au
Opening Hours
Wednesday to Saturday, 11am-4pm
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Media enquiries:
Mobile 0447 198 653; Email: media@mvcc.vic.gov.au