BMLSS, St. Dominic students display art at Chapel Gallery beginning Feb. 1 – muskokaregion.com

The Chapel Gallery is proud to host ‘The Art in Me’, an exhibition by the art students of Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School and Saint Dominic Catholic Secondary School. Sometimes it is easy to forget what it was like to be a teenager. This exhibition not only showcases the local emerging talent, of which there is lots, but also allows viewers much insight into the thinking, attitude and struggles of today’s young citizens.

Each student has submitted a piece of work to represent themselves. Lauren Conway, a grade 12 student at St. Dominic says she is excited “for the experience this gives to students who are going to study art in the future.” Student works include universal themes such as nature, death, abstraction, mental health, the environment and more. The students have been learning about using acrylic and watercolour paints as well as creating sculptures to convey their messages. “This is a great opportunity for students to experience a real gallery setting, and affords them the learning experience of pricing their work and displaying it,” says Heidi Jeske, an art teacher at Bracebridge Muskoka Lakes Secondary School. “I really appreciate this opportunity offered to us by Muskoka Arts & Crafts. It is such a valuable learning experience for the students. They have worked hard to create work that is meaningful and engaging.”

‘The Art in Me’ opens with a public reception on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. There will be music and light refreshments. “This is a great chance to meet the artists and hear about their processes,” expresses St. Dominic teacher, Shanandoah Kidd. “It is important to hear from the voices of young people. This show is a great opportunity for students to share their vision and express their ideas about our world. It is important for young people to be heard.”

Pictured is a sculpture by C. Roberts. About this work, the grade 12 student says, “I wanted to make a piece that showed what’s underneath what you see. I chose a rabbit because rabbits are thought to be cute, but their skeletons are a lot scarier. I split it down the middle so the viewer could see the piece from either one side, only showing one aspect of the piece, or down the middle to see how the anatomy of the rabbit actually fits its outward appearance.” Clay was used that was fitted together with epoxy then painting it with acrylic. “My most recent pieces are more focused on the anatomy and perception of living things. I always try to make something no one has made before, like outside the box and original as possible.”

This is a great opportunity for students to experience a real gallery setting, and affords them the learning experience of pricing their work and displaying it – Heidi Jeske,

‘The Art in Me’ continues at the Chapel Gallery until February 29. The Chapel Gallery is located at 15 King Street in Bracebridge. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. with admission by donation. For more information, please visit muskokaartsandcrafts.com or call 705-645-5501.