Art students from Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute (VCI) will be among the first artists to exhibit at Arbor Gallery’s new location, 103 High St. in Vankleek Hill. The exhibition, titled “Distortion”, shows from January 16 to February 8, and includes the artworks of more than 25 students, each of whom explore the subject of distortion in their own unique way. A variety of mediums are represented in the show, including graphite drawings on paper, acrylic paintings on canvas, ceramic sculptures and even a welded steel sculpture.
The exhibition represents the culmination of a semester-long project undertaken by some of the school’s senior art students. Under the guidance of the Gallery’s Artistic Director, Andrea Belcham, they have assisted in all stages of the exhibition’s planning: from deciding on a theme and making a call for submissions, to selecting the artworks to be shown, composing artists’ statements and promoting the exhibition.
“This project represents an important collaboration between the Gallery and one of our community partners, VCI,” said Belcham.“ It gives the students – including those who wish to pursue visual arts studies after high school – a behind-the-scenes look at how art is professionally displayed and shared with the public. It’s our hope that this hands-on experience will inspire confidence in the participants to view themselves as working artists!”
VCI art teacher Giselle Paquette has seen first-hand how students have engaged with the project since its inception in October, proudly taking ownership of it.
“The experience of having the chance to show their creation is a positive one for all participants,” she said. “For all of us, it is considered real-life learning.”
Paquette added that this exhibition has inspired VCI to develop an Arts Week at the school from January 13 to 17, with special presentations that include all forms of art and culture.
Frances Kerr is one of the artists featured in “Distortion.”
“I’m glad of this opportunity to display at a professional level,” she said. “As well as to work with an organization dedicated to promoting art!”
The public is welcome to meet the artists at the exhibition’s vernissage on Saturday, January 18, between12pm and 3pm. Arbor Gallery is located at 103 High St., Vankleek Hill, www.arborgallery.org.
Submitted photos
