Witness To Wonder: SD67 Highschool Exhibition
MAY 16 - June 7, 2025
Main GAllery
Each spring, we have the opportunity to spotlight the creativity, passion, and talent of the next generation of visual artists through the work of students from our three regional high schools: Princess Margaret, Penticton Secondary, and Summerland Secondary. More than just an exhibition, this event celebrates the dedication and imagination of these emerging artists. Each piece represents a year of hard work, experimentation, and personal growth. Together, they invite us to see the world through their eyes—revealing their unique voices, stories, and concerns. The exhibition is a testament to their commitment and to the invaluable mentorship of their teachers.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to art teachers Brad Gibson, Aleita Lloyd, and Shauna Reid. Your dedication has cultivated a safe and inspiring environment where students grow not only as artists but as individuals. The impact of your work reaches far beyond the classroom—fostering confidence, empathy, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of self and community.
To our student artists: thank you for sharing your work with the community. It takes courage to put your art into the world, and you should be proud of the role you've played in bringing this exhibition to life. Your pieces reflect not only your creativity, but also your ability to think critically, reflect deeply, and express yourselves with honesty. Whether or not you continue to exhibit, the insights and confidence you've gained will support you in meaningful ways throughout your lives.
Ultimately, this exhibition reaffirms the vital place of arts and culture in education. Creativity and critical thinking are not just academic skills—they're essential tools for building connection, understanding, and a vibrant community. May this experience inspire you to keep questioning, exploring, and sharing your voice with the world. Your creativity has the power to make a lasting impact.
Penticton Secondary School
Fine Arts Teacher: Shauna Reid
”It has been another exciting year in the Penticton Secondary Art Studio! Our students are thrilled to be part of this show and share their work with the community. We strongly believe that continuing art education at the high school level helps students develop critical problem-solving skills and the perseverance needed to succeed. The arts foster creativity, social and emotional growth, self-esteem, and cognitive development. Completing a large work of art requires focus and dedication- skills that will serve our students well as they transition into adulthood.
After many hours of practicing technical drawing skills, grade 8 and 9 Pen High students will be showcasing graphite portraits of familiar faces. Senior students have also been honing their expertise and will be showing exquisite still-life drawings.
We are excited to be including digital photography this year. The photographs included in this show were taken for a variety of projects and purposes. Each photograph is not just an image but a glimpse into the unique vision of these young artists as they navigate their individual paths. As you explore the show, take a moment to admire the skill, passion, and perspective that each student has put into their work.
Not to worry, there will be colour! We will be including an installation of 3D value paintings, and the Senior students have included whimsical ‘Bad Hair Day’ portraits and chalk pastel animal studies.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the PAG for providing our students with the opportunity to showcase their work.”
Summerland Secondary School
Visual Arts & Photography Teacher: Aleita Lloyd BFA, Bed
”This year our district high schools acquired grade 8s, and personally, I have loved experiencing again the enthusiasm they bring to the school and the art room. Our spaces got louder, and more fun. We forget how much we lose as we get older. Pablo Picasso is credited to have said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up”, and I couldn’t agree more. Having taught grades 6-12 and now being a mother to a 6-year-old, I am reminded how important play is in our lives.
When we incorporate play into art, we become more open to growing. There’s less stress. Imperfections don’t matter, because we’re just playing. I find the more we try to achieve success, the more stress we have; this is especially true in art, and I see it every day as an art teacher. The majority of my job is managing students’ anxiety around trying to be perfect. Someone appearing “unmotivated” may just actually be scared. The stress of not being good enough stifles creativity and the desire to truly grow.
So, it is with gratitude that I share my students’ brave explorations into improving themselves as artists. I hope you enjoy their efforts.”
Princess Margaret Secondary School
Art Teacher: Brad Gibson
”Witness to wonder. I really like the sound of that. Sometimes, certain words just group well together. It is what makes good writers so successful- that uncanny ability to place words so confidently and purposefully on paper. Making art is very much the same thing – a personal and visually successful arrangement of different media or materials on a variety of surfaces with the intent to share with the public or save for personal affirmation. And, as we are all so different, we celebrate the unique approaches we all develop as we make our mark.
I look forward to this show every year as it represents a coming together of a wide variety of student artwork from our 3 high schools in the district. It is not a competition. There is no expectation of who will be crowned the” all mighty art student in School District # 67”! Instead, it celebrates the many different individuals creating art in our district high schools. Each teacher gets a chance to share their own unique approach to inspiring the important message that taking risks and being creative is so important for our personal confidence.
We hope you enjoy the visit within the walls of this year’s exhibition, Witness to Wonder.”
