It has been said that young artists carry the dreams and ideals of future generations.
Airdrie Public Library (APL) has long supported our city’s arts and culture scene through providing ways to encourage or showcase this important and dynamic aspect of our community.
One of the more exciting ways we provide support is through offering local high schools gallery space for Airdrie's young emerging artists.
This year’s exhibit, from Bert Church, St. Martin de Porres, and George McDougal high schools offer some of the most stunning and creative student art we’ve ever had on our walls. When you realize these students are in Grade 10, you can’t help but feel a sense of hopeful anticipation for the future of visual arts in Airdrie and a feeling of respect for the high level of art instruction offered in our high schools.
For instance, Shoes, by Ceirra Burk from George McDougall, is a vibrant work of mixed-media pop art depicting running shoes in freefall. Burk’s piece would fit right into the pop art explosion of the 1960s.
Another piece – Racoon, by Sarah Filipenko – is one of a series of realistic wildlife drawings by George McDougall students, and is reminiscent of sketches by Canadian artist Robert Bateman.
Finally, Bert Church’s Isobelle Price’s stunning Dream Portrait, (acrylic on canvas) is comparable to impressionistic works by any number of well-known Canadian artists.
We don’t mean to single out just these three students. They do, however, easily represent the collection of original, whimsical, and professional works of art that are displayed on our walls for the next two months.
As in the years before the pandemic, APL will be hosting a High School Art Gala evening, complete with artists and teachers in attendance, and the art displayed on easels throughout the facility. The event will take place on Saturday, June 9 from 7 to 9 p.m., and the public is welcome to attend.
For more information on this and other APL programs and services, visit www.airdriepubliclibrary.ca.
