More than 100 pieces of art created by Surrey high school students are currently on display at Guildford Town Centre.
Now in its fifth year, the 12-school show is a departure from past years, as the competition aspect of the event has given way to showcasing more classroom-based exploration of art themes and techniques.
Among the 111 artworks, visitors will find not only drawings and paintings done by local teens, but digital art, sculptures, etchings and prints.
Exhibiting high schools include Earl Marriott, Fleetwood Park, Frank Hurt, Fraser Heights, Guildford Park, Johnston Heights, Kwantlen Park, L.A. Matheson, Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth, Sullivan Heights and Surrey Connect.
Guildford Park Secondary teacher Myra Morgan’s students have produced surrealist and collage artworks, many showing development of personal imagery and new art skills.
Grade 12 student Justin Soluk says “Ms. Morgan convinced me to try some different medium like acrylic paint. It brought me to a whole other level of understanding art and the techniques you need to use when painting.”
Fraser Heights Secondary teacher Norma Nickel also encouraged her students to experiment with various themes and materials, while Johnston Heights Secondary teacher Liz Libera’s Grade 10 students examined cubism.
Queen Elizabeth Secondary teacher Brian Tattam’s media arts students’ took more of a whimsical path producing human-lion digital art portraits, while Sullivan Heights teacher Marc Pelech’s students showcased their digital media and sculpture skills.
Work by Kwantlen Park Secondary teacher Peter Egan’s students display some highly skilled 2D and 3D artworks, such as that by student Meaghan Allen, whose heavy textured oil painting on canvas board is in the exhibit.
“I love how the colours blended and how it looks like real water,” she says of her piece, entitled Underneath.
The show runs until Feb. 20 at the shopping centre, located near 152 Street and 103 Avenue.
