Vernon school district secondary students are about to open their Art and Soul.
The Vernon Public Art Gallery is once again hosting the annual exhibition of artwork by local students in Grades 8 to 12.
From April 21 to May 18, students from all high schools in the Greater Vernon area have the opportunity to display their artwork in a professional setting at the gallery.
With all the bells and whistles of a big exhibition, including the right lighting, an opening reception, and plenty of community buzz, young artists get a taste of what it’s like to show their work to the public, often for the first time, said VPAG executive director Dauna Kennedy Grant.
“Following our elementary school exhibition, it’s always exciting to see the development of creativity in the students at this next level of education and how their artwork expresses that,” she said. “I encourage you to come out to our opening reception and join us in celebrating the accomplishment of these young emerging artists.”
Works in the secondary school exhibition are displayed alongside professional Canadian artists. In this case, Art and Soul coincides with the current exhibition, Mniku, by acclaimed aboriginal Canadian artist and UBCO master’s student Jordan Bennett.
“For students thinking about post-secondary education in the arts, showing next to established artists is an inspiration and a motivator to continue developing their own artistic styles while still in high school,” said Kennedy Grant. “Each year the diversity of mediums and subject matters, and the inclusion of some work intended for university applications, creates a unique and varied exhibition of strong student artwork.”
The opening reception for Art and Soul takes place Thursday, April 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. The public, guests and family members are welcome to enjoy appies, punch and music, compliments of the gallery.
