It was produced by about 20 people aged 12 to 18 from the area who are either living in care or who are homeless.

Works came from artists who had varied life experiences including suffering physical, sexual and mental abuse and living with learning difficulties.

Others are dealing with problems including family breakdown, abandonment, mental illness, violence, drugs and alcohol.

The Marist Youth Care (MYC) Art Show at First Avenue was opened by Community Services Minister Linda Burney.

It was sponsored by leadership consulting firm Yellow Edge and the StGeorge Foundation.

Several Sydney artists have been mentoring the group via workshops focusing on art media including ceramic sculpturing, photography, cartooning, tile painting, portraiture painting, paper making and paper dyeing.

Coaching and development consultancy Yellow Edge donated a laptop computer and cash prizes while the StGeorge Foundation provided funds for art workshops.

Jarjum Aboriginal Dancers performed at the opening before the announcement of the winner of the MYC Children and Young Person's Champion.

Marist Youth Care, the largest provider of youth homelessness services in North Western Sydney, provides homelessness support and prevention services to more than 1000 young people and their families each year.

CEO of Marist Youth Care Cate Sydes said some of the artists learned to read and write as well as gaining essential skills to survive in our community.

``Art is one of the mediums used by us to help these people see life differently and work towards their independence,'' she said.

``The show also allows these young people to showcase their talents and receive some positive feedback.''

Judges were Aboriginal elder Uncle Greg Simms, artists Robyn Ross, Ann Johnston and Dean Welsh and John Raymond of Yellow Edge.