By Xavier Smerdon
A STROKE of genius has won a Werribee student $1000 for his efforts.
Seventeen year-old Jan Julian won Universal Group’s Scholarship of Excellence for his self portrait work.
The MacKillop College student said he was surprised to be chosen as the winner of the prestigious competition.
“I was really, really surprised and really honoured,” he said.
Jan said if he added up all the time spent on the painting it would probably be about a week’s worth of constant work.
Along with the money that he pocketed for himself, Jan also won $1000 for his school.
His art teacher, Mr Mark Tagliabue, said he had done the school proud with his hard work.
“We’re really very proud of what he’s done this year and we look forward to seeing what he will do next year,” Mr Tagliabue said.
“All of our students did great work and it is great to see Jan recognised.”
Mr Tagliabue said the money that the school would receive will be put back into the art department.
“We tend to use that to improve our display and our art spaces,” he said.
Jan said he would use his share of them money to invest in his future goal of being a graphic designer.
“My teacher told me I should buy an easel, but I think I might also buy a lot of paint,” Jan said.
Wyndham Mayor Heather Marcus said Jan was a great example of the area’s amazing artists.
“I thought his work was excellent,” she said.
“I think we have some of the greatest artists in the whole city of Melbourne and we need to work harder to make sure their opportunities continue to grow.”
