Observation to Imagination - Annual Highschool Exhibition
May 19th – june 17th, 2023
Main gallery
The annual exhibition of artwork by visual arts students from Princess Margaret, Penticton Secondary, and Summerland Secondary showcases the importance of arts education in our schools. It encompasses a diverse range of student work such as painting, drawing, photography, film, digital media, and sculpture. Each piece of art reflects the students' distinct perspectives and voices, emphasizing the power of art as a medium of communication and self-expression.
The exhibition is a result of the students' and teachers' hard work and dedication throughout the year. Their artworks demonstrate the development of the students' communication skills, critical thinking abilities, authenticity, and self-reflection. By showcasing their work to the wider community, the students have an opportunity to share their creativity, and the community can appreciate their unique viewpoints.
The annual exhibition is an essential reminder of the significance of arts education in shaping the lives of students. By equipping them with the tools and skills to express themselves through art, we are fostering well-rounded, creative individuals who will make valuable contributions to society.
We would like to extend our gratitude to Brad Gibson, Aleita Lloyd, and Shauna Reid for providing a safe and inclusive space for students to explore their creativity and express themselves. Teachers have a vital role in shaping students' lives, and their efforts are inspiring. We also commend the participating students for trusting us with their artwork and displaying their achievements courageously and vulnerably.
The annual exhibition is a remarkable testament to the importance of arts education in the education system and its impact on students' personal and creative development. ♦
“It is hard to believe that once again spring has sprung! As always, a huge thank you to the Penticton Art Gallery for allowing us an opportunity to showcase the current creative endeavors of our students ranging from grades 9 through 12. For this year’s show, we are presenting “Spirit Masks” created by students in our grade 9/10 classes. These masks allowed students an opportunity to explore creative designs and clay hand building techniques. I always enjoy seeing the wide variety of designs and influences that play into these final sculptures.
The grade 11 and 12 students were introduced to the challenge of producing a self-portrait in charcoal. However, unlike a traditional portrait, students were asked to alter their image by using filters on their cell phones that twist and contort their images of themselves. The final drawings are big, bold, and really drive home the power of charcoal as a medium and how it enhances these “twisted” portraits.
We hope you enjoy the work submitted this year. The wide variety of masks and portraits remind us of all the power of visual expression. It is so important that we recognize the critical role the visual arts offer our young people as they navigate their way in the world. The risks we take as artists help build our sense of confidence and allow us an opportunity to express our unique qualities that define each one of us.”Brad Gibson, Visual Art @ Maggie
“As always, it has been a busy year in the studio at Pen High. The students are excited to be part of this show and display their hard work. I am a firm believer that continuing with Arts Education at a High School level helps students to creatively solve problems and persevere through challenges. The Arts promote creative and critical thinking, social and emotional development, self-worth, and cognitive growth. Seeing a large project through to the end takes concentration and commitment which are skills out students will need as they grow into their adult lives.
Grade 9 and 10 students have worked on technical drawing observation skills to create graphite portraits. These students continued using these skills and had fun studying Edvard Munch’s The Scream, which they turned into acrylic parodies. The seniors studied architectural Gargoyles and have created large charcoal studies as well as ceramic sculptures of the grotesques. In conjunction with the Meadowlark festival, the grade 11 & 12 students have created mixed media compositions with an environmental theme. They were given the choice to either celebrate the local flora and fauna or use their voice to highlight an environmental issue that they felt passionate about.
The Penticton Secondary Art program would like to thank the Penticton Art Gallery for giving our students the opportunity to show their work in a formal public setting.”
Shauna Reid, Fine Arts @ Penticton Secondary
“As always, it has been a busy year in the studio at Pen High. The students are excited to be part of this show and display their hard work. I am a firm believer that continuing with Arts Education at a High School level helps students to creatively solve problems and persevere through challenges. The Arts promote creative and critical thinking, social and emotional development, self-worth, and cognitive growth. Seeing a large project through to the end takes concentration and commitment which are skills out students will need as they grow into their adult lives.
Grade 9 and 10 students have worked on technical drawing observation skills to create graphite portraits. These students continued using these skills and had fun studying Edvard Munch’s The Scream, which they turned into acrylic parodies. The seniors studied architectural Gargoyles and have created large charcoal studies as well as ceramic sculptures of the grotesques. In conjunction with the Meadowlark festival, the grade 11 & 12 students have created mixed media compositions with an environmental theme. They were given the choice to either celebrate the local flora and fauna or use their voice to highlight an environmental issue that they felt passionate about.
The Penticton Secondary Art program would like to thank the Penticton Art Gallery for giving our students the opportunity to show their work in a formal public setting.”
Shauna Reid, Fine Arts @ Penticton Secondary
