Bancroft’s artist-run collective A Place for the Arts (APFTA) is instilling confidence and pride in young local artists by hosting the fourth annual North Hastings High School Student Art Show.
On now until April 27, the exhibition at the Annex Gallery features dozens of artworks of various styles, created by students in grades 9 through 12 at the local high school.
“I think it’s wonderful,” says APFTA communications and marketing manager Gayle Crosmaz, who used to be an art teacher herself. “When students are involved in art (outside of school), it gives them a purpose and a goal in life. It keeps them occupied and productive and it’s good for their self-esteem.”
Some of the student artwork was made in the art classes at North Hastings High School, though many others were also produced by students on their own time as a form of creative expression.
“Processes set up in art class at the high school are designed to promote critical thinking, creativity and skill development in a variety of media,” said APTFA member and North Hastings High School visual arts teacher Andrew Edgar in a statement provided to kawarthaNOW.
“Students focus on studio work and critical analysis of a wide range of art works by the masters. While applying the elements and principles of art, students are encouraged to produce artworks that communicate ideas, emotions or comment on issues.”
According to Crosmaz, students who have their artwork on display in a public setting and available for purchase can see how art and creative exploration can be a viable career path.
“I’m really excited that they get to sell their work,” she says. “Even if it’s not a full-time career, art is also relaxing and it puts you in that zone to be calm and relaxed while you push all other challenges away for the time being. It gives you that chance to regenerate and recuperate your energy and self-esteem and confidence.”
Crosmaz recalls when her own daughter was in the ninth grade and her teachers allowed her to get school credit by working alongside her mother on a mural in the community. Though her daughter is now in her 40s, Crosmaz acknowledges how beneficial the experience was for her development.
“It really gave her the confidence to go out there and, afterwards, she was commissioned by a local business to do a mural on the side of his laundromat,” she says. “These opportunities really help students get into the workforce and have the confidence to take on any challenges.”
As a visual artist herself, Crosmaz understands how impactful a public exhibit can for building confidence. As a young adult, she was told by friends and colleagues that she had the talent for art school, though she did not initially believe it.
“Family and friends will say that, but I don’t really believe them unless there’s someone out there who is neutral and has to give their honest opinions,” she says. “That’s what this is — we’re neutral. The students getting an honest opinion not just from their friends and family and classmates, but from the general public.”
Crosmaz hopes that in getting the students to view their artwork in a professional setting, they will be inspired to lend their talents for APFTA’s ongoing project to revitalize a community mural on the west side of the building at 23 Bridge Street in Bancroft. For the project, the collective is recruiting local professional and amateur artists.
“I’m trying to get the kids involved for the chance to display their art on a permanent basis,” she says.
The 4th Annual North Hastings High School Student Art Show is on now until Sunday, April 27 in the Annex Gallery at A Place for the Arts at 23 Bridge Street West in Bancroft. The Annex Gallery is open Wednesdays to Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
An opening reception for the show, which was originally scheduled for April 4 but was cancelled due to the aftermath of the ice storm, has been rescheduled from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday (April 17). The free reception will feature a presentation from Edgar.
For more information on the North Hastings High School Student Art Show, visit www.apfta.ca.
