Tamara Opie said she had always been interested in visual art, with a passion for painting, drawing and sculpting. 

But following five years as a police officer and a number of years caring for her two autistic children, Ms Opie said it was a dream she struggled to pursue, until now. 

“I’ve wanted to do this since I was a teenager and the TAFE NSW diploma has put a career as a professional artist within reach,” Ms Opie said.

“To be part of an exhibition really is the pinnacle.”

The 43-year-old Culcairn woman said she planned to pursue a career in visual artistry, after completing a diploma at TAFE NSW across two years.

Ms Opie joins fellow graduates Janet Grealy and Shirley Hall, who travelled vastly different paths to arrive at the same destination – Wagga campus’s Gallery 43.

The mature-age students will unveil some stunning and deeply personal works as part of a special visual arts exhibition, Synergy, starting next week.

“I would recommend art as a hobby to anyone,” Ms Opie said. “You have to be patient, calm and you have to find a sense of fun and enjoyment to create … it is very healthy for you.”