The exhibition is comprised of 50 artworks and will travel to five regional galleries, as well as the Armory Gallery at the Sydney Olympic Park Authority and the Art Gallery of NSW over the coming months.

Just fifty artworks, out of 796 entries, have made it into the touring exhibition.

Now in its 23rd year, Operation Art is a competition open to students from across NSW.

Entrants from Kindergarten to Year 10 express themselves through colours, lines and shapes with the sole purpose to motivate and soothe patients in hospital.

In addition to the touring exhibition, around 60 artworks are donated to the children’s wards at hospitals across NSW.

Operation Art is an initiative of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in association with the New South Wales Department of Education and the Sydney Olympic Park Authority.

Operation Art is made possible by the generous support of ANSTO.

What the students said about their art works

Alice Swain – Cutie

In the holidays, we had 28 new chickens born on our farm. I thought that the fluffy little chicks were so cute that I wanted to get a photo of them. I put this one on the trampoline to make it easier to get the photo and it made me smile!

Charlie Barnes – Farmer Charlie

I used lots of different materials to make my artwork such as rolled oats, cotton wool and wool. I hope that when I get bigger I will own my own farm. I thought that this artwork would help make sick kids think about being outside.

Brody Ferguson – A pocketful of Daisies

This painting connects me with past artists. I was inspired by Margaret Olley.

Tiffany Allomes – Nature’s Beauty

I used water colour to make this bright picture.  In the picture, the rabbit is sitting in front of a tranquil background.  Hope everyone enjoys.