\ Challenge

Art has long been recognised for its healing power, a belief strongly held by Marie Botsis Premici and Gino Permici, founders of Montauk Lighting Co. After experiencing the profound grief of losing their daughter Chloe to a congenital heart defect, they were driven to create something positive in her memory. They wanted to bring the joy of art into the lives of children at Perth Children’s Hospital, who, like Chloe, face serious health challenges. The inaugural Joy exhibition in 2022 successfully raised funds for Starlight Foundation’s art programs, but with the second edition, Joy - Volume II - Etoile, the goal was to make an even greater impact. The exhibition required a visual identity that would not only embody the essence of joy but also draw broader attention to this important cause.

‍

\ Outcome

The visual identity for the Joy exhibition, developed by Block, aimed to encapsulate the vibrancy and hope that the event sought to bring to hospitalised children and their families. The design centred on the word “Joy” itself, using fluid, curvaceous forms and vibrant colours to symbolise the positive energy and warmth that the exhibition represented. The look was carried across all touchpoints—from environmental graphics and social media posts to a beautifully printed 88-page catalogue.

Joy - Volume II -Etoile featured works by leading artists such as Andy Quilty, Anya Brock, Felicia Aroney, and Jordy Hewitt, among many others. The event, held at The Townhouse, Montauk’s studio space in West Leederville, showcased these contributions throughout February2024, allowing visitors to experience the powerful intersection of art and compassion.

‍

\ Results

The impact of this year’s exhibition was significant, raising over $10,000 in cash donations and an additional $40,000 through the sale of artworks. These funds support the continuation of Starlight’s programs at Perth Children’s Hospital and contribute to the reinstatement of the Hospitals category in The Lester Prize, Western Australia’s preeminent portraiture award. In total, the two Joy exhibitions have raised over $100,000, demonstrating the power of art to not only inspire but also to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.

The Joy project, born from personal tragedy, has become a beacon of hope and healing for many.