A student from Ms. Johnston’s Grade 12 class at St. Mary’s Catholic High School cuts a design into lino to create a printing plate. The class worked with London artist Jessica Woodward on a collaborative surrealism printmaking project. (Woodstock Art Gallery)
The Woodstock Art Gallery launched a new virtual exhibit Friday celebrating the art of local students.
The show, Art Beat: The Ripple Effect, is the culmination of the gallery’s artist-in-schools mentorship program offered throughout county schools.
This year’s show includes the work of Mme. Pilon’s Grade 7 class at Roch Carrier, who worked with London fibre arts Paulina Szczesny on block relief printmaking, and Ms. Johnston’s Grade 12 class from St. Mary’s, who worked with London artist Jessica Woodward on collaborative surrealism block relief printmaking.
“Working alongside a professional artist, students discover a deep appreciation for the arts, develop a greater understanding of the elements and principles of design, and explore new ideas connected to their lives and experiences,” said the gallery’s head of education, Stephanie Porter in a statement.
Pre-pandemic, the show would have opened as part of the gallery’s annual Youthquake young artist showcase, but is now going online.
“Although it is bittersweet that the WAG is unable to celebrate the achievements of our young artists in person this year, we are very excited to share their hard work with the community virtually,” Porter said.
You can view the exhibit online at woodstockartgallery.ca.
