To recover after the loss of his grandfather, Aaron Pedulla painted a frog.
Pedulla, a 17-year-old Aurora High School student, painted a tree frog named Bernie.
“It provided an amazing opportunity to work with different techniques and mediums all at once. It also has a lot of emotional attachment to me as I used it as a way of moving on and confronting some emotions I was dealing with after the loss of my grandfather in September”.
The art of Pedulla and other Grade 12 Aurora students takes centre stage this month.
Their group show will grace all of the Aurora Cultural Centre’s galleries until Feb. 29.
The centre has showcased Grade 12 visual and performing artists at the Mayor’s Celebration of Youth Arts since 2011.
Aaron Pedulla says his art teacher Ms. Moore has been his role model. “Without her, I would not be where I am today,” he said. Her support has “kept me motivated and inspired to keep creating pieces that I’m proud of.”
Stephanie Opdebeeck, also a 17-year-old Aurora High School student, can relate to Pedulla’s experiences.
“She (Moore) has taught me everything I know in art,” Opdebeeck said, “and has really helped me and guided me to strive and love art and pursue a creative field post-secondary.”
But the artistic process can be difficult.
“Starting a painting is so frustrating for me because I just want it to be done,” Pedulla said.
“While a painting of mine is in its early stages, I find myself thinking that it’s not very good or I’m not very proud of it.”
Opdebeeck views art as an important way to communicate.
“I love my artform because making art that is important to me is my favourite way of expressing myself.”
Her favourite creation is of the New Orleans French Quarter, a six-by-three-foot painting inspired by a photo she took on a service trip with her camp.
Nikita Naim, 17, can relate to her peers. “As a visual person, it is easier to depict my feelings and experiences through imagery. I believe it is a very interesting form of communication that has helped many people, me included, who don’t have the words to be able to say what they feel,” said the École Secondaire Catholique Renaissance student.
She remembers the time someone first asked whether she had photocopied something from online into her sketchbook? “The look on their face when I told them I drew it still makes me smile.”
The Performing Arts Evening is Wed., Feb. 19, at Brevik Hall, 7 to 9 p.m.
Performances showcase music, dance, theatre, spoken word and more.
Complete a Performing Submission Form by clicking the button: PERFORMING ARTIST SUBMISSION FORM Entry deadline: Friday, Feb. 7.
