Orange Regional Museum has been transformed into a wild and colourful exhibition exploring the world of weeds.

'Untamed', the 2026 Public Schools Create project, opened on Friday evening, August 14, and sees the museum filled with artworks created by more than 2500 local 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, how we protect native species, and how we understand the plants that share our environment.

This is now the seventh year of the Public Schools Create project. Orange City Council's Recreation and Culture Committee chair, Cr Tammy Greenhalgh, said it is 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 have then been 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 exhibition runs until October 25 at Orange Regional Museum.