For more than 22 years, Paul Campbell has been following his creative journey in the genU Participate North Arts Program. 

As one of the program’s mainstays, Paul dedication to his artwork is demonstrated through his daily attendance, Monday through Friday, at the artX Metro studio at the genU Northcote office. 

Paul embraces the challenge of tackling different artistic mediums and pushing himself in different ways to explore his creativity, and despite more than two decades, he has no preference for what he works on. “I like learning new things, I don’t have a favourite,” he said. 

It’s no surprise Paul is eager to create a submission for this year’s genU’s art competition, artX Metro 2025, given his passion for immersing himself in an art project. Submissions are open now until Friday 21 August, with the winners announced on Thursday 4 September at the Banksia Foyer in the Darebin Arts & Entertainment Centre Preston.

For his 2024 entry, driven by his family’s ancestral links with Ireland, Paul painted a landscape inspired by an image he saw in a book, depicting green undulating hills and pristine waterways for which the Emerald Isle is well known.

Paul said he liked working with the colours, shading the variety of greens to depict the hills, and winding a white stream through the painting. In another nod to the environment and recycling, Paul complemented the painting with soft sculptures, painting each one in keeping with the Irish landscape theme. 

Fitting award for artistic dedication 

In recognition of his commitment to his craft, Paul was the inaugural winner of the Olga Murray Award at genU ArtX Metro 2024. Olga was an arts teacher in the genU Northcote program for 38 years before retiring in early 2024, and she was delighted to present one of her former students with the award. Paul gleefully accepted the award, in a proud moment, with his mum, Bridget.   

He’s no stranger to winning, either, having picked up awards for his work in the past, including second place in the 2023 artX competition for a brightly coloured doll he fashioned from recycled materials. 

genU CEO Clare Amies said genU Participate North Arts Program had been under the extensive genU arts program since 2019, and aligned perfectly with genU values and promoted positivity, creativity and a sense of community. 

“Our purpose is to enrich lives through connections, supports and opportunities, and our suite of art programs play an important role in achieving that through creating safe environments for clients to explore their creativity and challenge themselves in new ways,” Clare said. 

“Paul is just one of our amazing artists who puts their heart and soul into their work. We are grateful for his artistic contribution and the connection and support he provides other artists.”

Artists thrive in energetic and supportive environment   

With genU art teachers Vicki Barker and Monique Morter constantly supporting the artists he creates alongside, Paul praised them for their work, describing them as “good staff” with a smile, as he spoke about what he likes about the program.

The principles underpinning the program include building connections and friendships and it’s one of the main reasons Paul enjoys every moment at the studio, beyond the creative element. “I like to meet people,” he said.

Paul goes to great effort to support his friends in the studio with conversation, encouragement, jokes and laughter, and is quick to boil the kettle and make cups of tea and coffee for them, which is very much appreciated. 

Paul is also very diligent in keeping the studio tidy and organised for his peers and can be counted on to put materials and equipment away when needed. Vicki and Monique are most grateful for all Paul does to keep the studio fresh and fabulous!

One collaborative project close to Paul’s heart involves the re-purposing of crocheted sculptures by a former studio artist, Robert, who unfortunately passed away in 2024. Robert was a long-time participant and a prolific crocheter, with many of his sculptures still displayed around the studio. 

Paul said Robert would be happy with the project to make new crochet sculptures and honour Robert’s memory. 

The Participate North Arts Program runs Monday to Friday, 9am-12pm and 1pm to 3pm at 30 Union Street Northcote. 

For more information about the genU Arts Program, visit our website.