Jessica Son's mixed media on paper piece entitled Happiness by Sense is among dozens of works of art by Surrey high school students currently on display at the Surrey Art Gallery. Below is a graphite self-portrait by Thomas Nelles.

Jessica Son's mixed media on paper piece entitled Happiness by Sense is among dozens of works of art by Surrey high school students currently on display at the Surrey Art Gallery. Below is a graphite self-portrait by Thomas Nelles.

Teens explore social issues through art

Art by Surrey high school students on display at Surrey Art Gallery through April.

Teenagers – what is their place in society? How do they fit in?

Surrey art students are exploring these questions through figurative/human studies, social commentary, and symbolism in the exhibition Art by Surrey Secondary School Students, at the Surrey Art Gallery now through to April 29.

The students have selected different forms of media to best express their ideas. Visitors will see paintings, drawings, collages, and photographs accompanied by insights into the work through artist statements, and information on the goals and objectives of art education. This showcase of artworks by 48 students from Grades 8 to 12 representing 13 schools, was developed jointly by the Surrey Art Gallery, Surrey School District, and Surrey Art Teachers Association to demonstrate the value of visual arts courses.

Admission to this exhibition is free.

Art education is an essential part of our creative and intellectual development. The experiences obtained through the processes of art – from the original idea through to the realization of the work of art – assist us in our perception of, and response to, the world around us. Through art, students are able to develop their creative, cognitive, reasoning, and technical abilities while at the same time learn new ways to express themselves and communicate with others.

Art by Surrey Secondary School Students is an important part of the annual Fine Arts Festival des Beaux-Arts organized by the Surrey School District to recognize arts programming in its schools.

Surrey Art Gallery (13750 88 Ave.) has been presenting art by Surrey school students since 1983. For more information, call 604-501-5566 or check www.surrey.ca/arts

Surrey Now Leader