Glendale art students exhibit at Station Arts Centre

Nathan Wilkinson and Kendall Young, left, hang a painting as part of the Glendale High School art exhibit at the Station Arts Centre. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Glendale High School’s art students had their first chance for their work to be part of an exhibit during a recent show at the Station Arts Centre.

The 28 students in the Grade 11/12 university/college prep art course were busy on Jan. 9 and 10 hanging their work in preparation for the opening on Jan. 13 for the show titled Visions of the Adolescent Mind. The show ran until Jan. 17.

Michelle Dench, art department head, said it’s the first time any of the students have had their art exhibited outside of the school.

“We used to (exhibit at the Station Arts Centre) back when Mr. Rabb was art department head,” she said. “It’s the first time since COVID.”

Dench explained it’s part of the curriculum for students to learn how to present art to audiences, and the exhibit came with an opportunity on curating and hanging art from the Station Arts Centre staff. She said this is a good skill for the students if they wanted to work in a gallery. Grade 12 students were allowed to choose a theme and then were to create art in the medium of their choice. The Grade 11 students were more prescribed in what they created – for instance all would work in watercolours – but could create their own theme.

Leela LaTulippe, a Grade 12 student, had several pieces that were part of the exhibit and was excited to be part of it. The pieces were a pastel drawing, a mixed media piece and a pencil drawing.

“I do a lot of art in my free time,” LaTulippe said. “Art class allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and learn other techniques except drawing.”

LaTulippe’s hope is art will make her money in the future. She intends to sell art online and move towards an in-person business.

Gracie Heeren, a Grade 11 student, had four pieces on display, and when asked the exciting part of the exhibit, answered, “Just displaying my art publicly and getting people outside the school to see it. “

Grade 11 student Kendall Young had an oil pastel that was part of the exhibit.

“I can finally get to display my art, and not just in front of my classmates and family,” Young said.

The next exhibit at the Station Arts Centre, which will feature Sue Goossens and Cathy Groulx, opens Feb. 14.