JASON SETNYK
The next generation of local artists is getting its time in the spotlight as Cline House Gallery hosts its second annual On the Rise – Graduating Student Exhibition.
The exhibition, which opened June 6 and runs until June 20, features artwork from graduating Grade 12 students representing 12 high schools across Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry. The showcase brings together young creators from four school boards, giving them an opportunity to display their work in a professional gallery setting.
Emily MacLeod, Visual Arts Coordinator at the gallery, said the exhibition gives visual artists the same kind of public platform often available to students involved in sports or performing arts.
“The visual artists in the schools need a public stage to present their work in the way that we have theatre and dance performances out of the school at different stages, and athletes perform on different fields,” said MacLeod. “This is a chance for these artists to get their work seen by the public.”
MacLeod, who previously worked as a high school art teacher, said the exhibition also highlights the importance of supporting arts programming.
“I think we really need to encourage this type of creativity from the students,” said MacLeod. “I know from being an art teacher in the high school that it is a place that the kids get to escape and focus on something so concentrated when they’re creating something that they can shut out all of the other noise in their life.”
She added that while not every student will pursue an arts career, creativity remains valuable.
“Most of these kids probably won’t go on in the arts, but art is something for life. They will always have this outlet,” said MacLeod.
The exhibition follows recent successes by former SDG high school students who have continued their artistic journeys. Alexa Giroux, a La Citadelle graduate now studying Fine Arts at Concordia University, won Best of Show at Cline House Gallery’s annual Juried Exhibition earlier this year. Alex Vachon, a CCVS graduate and recent Queen’s University Fine Arts graduate, was featured in a three-person exhibition at the gallery in May.
“It’s exciting and encouraging to see how high school art programs can serve as a launch pad for future post-secondary visual arts studies,” said MacLeod.
New this year, visitors can help recognize emerging talent through People’s Choice Awards. A total of $1,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to four student artists selected by public vote, supported through fundraising by the Friends of Cline House and a private donation.
For participating students, seeing their artwork displayed publicly was a meaningful experience.
CCVS Grade 12 student Bailey Biddle created a working clock inspired by the video game Bendy and the Ink Machine, combining paper mâché, cardboard, ribbon, paint, and a real hubcap.
“I’m honoured. This is my second time one of my pieces has been out in a space like this,” said Biddle. “For me, this is another chapter in my story becoming an artist.”
Lauren Denman, a Grade 12 student at St. Lawrence Secondary School, showcased pieces inspired by anime and Pokémon, blending digital artwork and photography.
“I think it’s really cool. I don’t think I would have this opportunity anywhere else,” said Denman. “I think it’s awesome, and I’m really glad I could come and see it with my family.”
Sonya MacDonell, an art teacher at St. Lawrence Secondary School, said approximately a dozen of her students submitted work, with some creating pieces outside regular class time.
“It’s undoubtedly made me super proud,” said MacDonell. “I think it’s given them a bit more courage to step out and show their work, so it’s not such an isolated thing making their art.”
Erynn Blackadder Doherty, Art and Photography Teacher at Tagwi Secondary School, said the regional exhibition allows students to reach new audiences.
“It’s really nice that other people get to experience their work and for the students to see that there are other audiences for their work as well,” said Doherty.
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