The student artists have been working on their pieces during classes. While some intended to submit their work to art shows, it’s all strictly part of the curriculum.
The first public exhibit, Headwaters Art Show, is at Dufferin County Museum and Archives. The artwork was judged by Banting Art teachers Rachel Evans, Mary Zak and Sandy Ing. The selected students are winners of the Honourable Art Award.
The other art show, Portfolio 2008, takes place at the Maclaren Art Centre in Barrie. This is a juried show for Grade 12 students, and only the best art in Simcoe County is selected. Only two pieces can be submitted by students and they are judged by a jury usually comprised of a curator, artist and a college teacher.
Banting students Leslie Kristjanson and Caitlyn Harvey are two of the Banting students in whose art met the standards for the Portfolio 2008.
A Grade 12 student, Harvey has been producing simple drawings in art classes since Grade 9, and becomes more involved each year. She says it was an unexpected pleasure for her to be chosen as one of Simcoe’s finest student artists.
“When (the jury) told me how many people had entered, I was really surprised,” she said.
The drawing that Harvey submitted to Portfolio 2008 to be juried is titled Volleyballer. She created the piece as part of her Grade 12 Art independent study unit. It is a series of close ups of athlete’s bodies.
“I wanted to portray how dedicated the athletes are,” said Harvey.
Evans said the art shows prepare the students to become professionals.
“It gives exposure for the students. It’s a real life oppurtunity for them to exhibit their work,” she said.
Like professional artists, the students have to fill out an application form and artist statement explaining their work before sending it off to the galleries. Evans also said these art shows are useful for students’ resumes.
The Portfolio 2008 at the Maclaren Art Centre is running until June 13. The exhibits can be viewed between 10 a.m and 5 p.m Monday to Friday, 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. The Headwaters Art Show at Dufferin County Museum and Archives will run until June 15. These exhibits can be viewed between 10 a.m and 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
