More than 2500 local students have transformed Orange Regional Museum into a wild and colourful exhibition exploring the world of weeds.
Untamed, the 2026 Public Schools Create project, features artworks created by students from 19 public primary schools across the Orange, Blayney and Cabonne local government areas.
Developed in collaboration with Orange Regional Gallery, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the fascinating world of weeds and ask questions about what makes a plant a weed, how we care for country, protect native species and understand the plants that share our environment.
Installing 'Untamed' at Orange Regional Museum.
Orange City Council's Recreation and Culture Committee Chair Cr Tammy Greenhalgh said, now in its seventh year, the project was an inspiring example of creativity, collaboration and hands-on learning.
"Every year the project inspires local students to look at the world around them in a new way, and this year's exhibition is no exception," Cr Greenhalgh said.
"Untamed combines art and environmental education in a way that is engaging, thought-provoking and fun. The result is an extraordinary exhibition that reflects the creativity and curiosity of thousands of young minds."
Students were invited to choose and illustrate their own weed species on a piece of recycled cardboard. All artworks were then combined into a large-scale installation that transforms the museum into a wild and weedy landscape.
Cr Greenhalgh said the exhibition offered something for visitors of all ages.
"Not only does Untamed showcase thousands of wonderful student artworks, it also encourages us to think differently about the plants we see every day," Cr Greenhalgh said.
"The exhibition explores what makes a plant a weed, who decides which plants belong and how we can care for our environment. It's a fantastic learning experience for children and adults alike."
Alongside the artworks, visitors can enjoy interactive activities designed to help families learn more about wild plants and their impact on local ecosystems.
The community is invited to celebrate the opening of Untamed at Orange Regional Museum at 6pm on Friday 14 August. Tickets to the free event can be booked here.
The exhibition runs from 15 August to 25 October 2026 at Orange Regional Museum.
