About Kirsty Shadiac
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Kirsty Shadiac is an Adelaide-based artist and educator with a lifelong passion for creativity and teaching kids to draw. Born in 1983, Kirsty’s love for art began early—she was always sketching as a child and went on to study Visual Communication and Graphic Design after finishing school in 2000.
While studying, Kirsty worked at a primary school supporting children with intellectual disabilities. This shaped her deep commitment to creating inclusive, joyful learning environments. In 2004, she moved to Sydney to work at Art House Gallery (Rushcutters Bay), collaborating closely with some of Australia’s leading contemporary artists—an experience that strongly influenced her own artistic style.
In 2007, Kirsty founded her first kids art classes in Sydney, which she continued after returning to Adelaide in 2010. Her passion for combining art and education led her to develop Artventure.com.au—a unique online platform offering curriculum-based video art lessons for primary-aged kids, teachers and parents.
Kirsty has delivered numerous Artist in Residence programs in schools and exhibited her works.
Kirsty’s dedication extends beyond the classroom and gallery. She has volunteered as a Surf Life Saver, Camp Quality companion, and artist in the Sydney Children’s Hospital oncology ward. In 2009, she painted a large mural for the radiation ward at Prince of Wales Hospital, and also worked as Captain “Creative” Starlight at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide.
Now a mum of three, Kirsty continues to create from her home studio in Adelaide.
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CV
Professional Experience
2012 - Current Director, Artventure Enterprises Pty Ltd
2012 - Current Commissioned Paintings, Private Collections
2019 Commission Painting, Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation
2018 The Advertiser, Christmas Pageant Lift Out Cover Artwork
2018 Entry to Archibald Prize, Basil Sellers (not selected) , artwork acquired
for the private collection of Basil Sellers
2018 Bottle Top Mural, Edwardstown Primary School
2018 100 metre long walkway mural, Holy Family Catholic School
2017, 2018 Artist in Residence Program, Tasting Australia
2014 Solo Exhibition, North Adelaide Community Centre
2014 Artist in Residence Program, Yunta Primary School
2014 Artist in Residence Program, Peterborough Primary School
2014 Artist in Residence Program, Wilmington Primary School
2013 Artist In Residence Program, Women’s and Children’s Hospital
2007 - 2014 Kirsty’s Kids Art (art classes for kids) (Sydney and Adelaide)
2012 Solo Exhibition, The Field, Tin Cat Cafe, Kent Town
2012 Artist in Residence Program, Starlight Children’s Foundation
2011 Solo Exhibition, Am I Dreaming?, Tin Cat Cafe, Kent Town
2011 Small Exhibition, Cibo Cafe, King William Street, Hyde Park
South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival
2010 Solo Exhibition, Happiness, Tin Cat Cafe, Kent Town, SA
2010 Solo Exhibition, Mud, Sydney Children’s Hospital
2010 - 2013 Employee, Starlight Children’s Foundation
2011 Artist in Residence Program, Goodwood Primary School
2010 Artist in Residence Program, Holy Family Catholic School
2010 Artwork, Cover Image, Rip It Up magazine
2009 Commission Mural, Child’s Underwater World, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick NSW 9 x 5 meter Mural for the radiation treatment ward
2009 Children’s book Illustrations, Little Chef
2007 - 2010 Freelance Work- Graphic design, photography, illustration
2004 - 2007 Gallery Coordinator, Art House Gallery, Rushcutters Bay
2001 - 2004 Educational Support Officer, Saint Patrick’s Special School
Awards
2010 Young Emerging Artist Award
South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival
Collections
2019 Womens and Childrens Hospital Foundation
2018 Basil Sellers AM Private Collection
2010 Holy Family Catholic School Artist in Residence artwork
2010 Goodwood Primary School Artist in Residence artwork
2010 Sydney Children’s Hospital Public Art Collection (2 works)
2009 Prince of Wales Hospital artwork from commission
Volunteer work
2008 - 2009 Sydney Children’s Hospital 2008 - 2009 Camp Quality
2007 - 2010 Surf Life Saving Australia, 2007 - 2010
Education and Qualifications
2008 Surf Life Saving - Silver Medallion - Patrol Captain Surf Life Saving - Silver Medallion - Inflatable Rescue Boat Crew Surf Life Saving - Social Events Coordinator 2008-2009
Surf Life Saving - Training Officer Surf Life Saving - Bronze Medallion
2003 Diploma in Visual Communication & Graphic Design
(I TAFE, South Australia)
2000 SACE, Loreto College
