The short stories, poems, and art work feature in the TAFE's annual anthology, Painted Words.

Course coordinator Peter Wiseman said while the anthology took on a new theme each year, the 2020 theme was particularly poignant for the students.

"It's a historical record of the year, both visually and in writing," he said. "Everyone looked at it in a different way.

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"Some wrote poems about being confined. Others felt like their world was imploding around them.

"Others felt lonely because they joined the course because they wanted to share the experience of learning and all of a sudden they were students back in their kitchens.

"There is a sense of melancholy there but also a sense that they survived and came out of this together."

The Painted Words anthology started in 2005 and has featured more than 320 writers from central Victoria. The 2020 book features the works of 23 authors.

The students from the visual art, professional writing and editing, and graphic design courses launched the book at a virtual event on Wednesday.

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Mr Wiseman said even that experience was different from previous years.

"Students who produce the book normally plan a function," he said. "There are normally 50 to 70 people there and there are speakers and drinks.

"Instead, everyone is sitting at home with their family and friends around. It's not quite the same."

Mr Wiseman said people who wanted to order a copy of Painted Words 2020 should contact him on 5434 1932 or email pwiseman@bendigotafe.edu.au.

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