This is an exhibition of artworks by students involved in the My Tree Project (MTP) in 2026.
It is more important than ever to connect people to nature and emphasise the importance of trees. Young people are our future leaders and the stewards of our living spaces. It is they MTP aims to reach and engage in the process of growing trees and understorey, as well as communicating their vitality through art.
Workshops skill students in propagating seeds, nurturing, and ultimately planting their seedlings. This hands-on experience deepens students’ awareness of indigenous plants, biodiversity, water management, sustainability, civic contribution and a sense of place.
Students are also guided in the use of diverse media (such as painting, drawing, ceramics, multimedia, poetry, cement sheeting for stobie pole art) to create artworks that vividly illustrate the sustainability trees provide. Through the power of art, students demonstrate the beauty of trees and their importance in providing habitat, shade, cooling, nourishment, play, contemplation, and life for all.
Although the project mainly targets primary school students in Years 5 and 6, secondary school students have also participated in creating artworks. So successful was the inaugural MTP that in 2023 it was chosen as the Community Event of the Year for the City of Charles Sturt, and out of 68 councils it was named the Community Event of the Year for all of South Australia.
A documentary shows the overwhelming enthusiasm of participants and the wellbeing experienced by all: watch the video ‘My Tree Project (South Australia)’ youtube.com/@MyTreeProjectSouthAustralia. For further information about MTP go to mytreeproject.au
The project began when 11-year-old Maxim told his grandmother that reading in his mulberry tree energised him and made him feel creative. She wanted other schoolchildren to be similarly inspired and in 2021 volunteers from WACRA (Western Adelaide Coastal Residents' Association) and AAEE SA (Australian Association for Environmental Education) formed a team to further develop the idea.
The MTP team consists of a project coordinator, practising artist, environmental educators, and an administrator. The team has collaborated with students and school communities from seven western primary and high schools.
Permanent propagation areas have been established and over 5,000 trees and 3,000 understorey seedlings have been planted at schools and in the community. Planting and artistic beautification will also happen at the Rosewater Loop as well as rewilding the 133-acre Forktree Project in Carrickalinga.
A 3D virtual tour of the 2025 exhibition at Ngutungka Henley is available: My Tree Project - Virtual Tour.
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