Local art lovers are in for a treat this spring, as they once again have the opportunity to feast their eyes on artwork created by some of the most talented young artists in the county, at a pair of in-person exhibitions.
After two years of being held virtually, the annual Lambton County Student Art Show and the Fast Forward exhibition are taking place in-person at the Lawrence House Center for the Arts and Gallery in the Grove, respectively, during the month of May.
With a variety of artwork ranging from drawings and paintings to printmaking, crafts and digital art, community members can view nearly 200 pieces of unique and original art at both locations, made by students from Northern Collegiate, LCCVI, Franco-Jeunesse, St. Pat’s , North Lambton Secondary School, St. Francis Xavier and Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School.
Both shows are juried and awards will be presented to students at a later date.
Student art show chair and Northern Collegiate visual art teacher Trevor Jamieson said both educators and students are thrilled that the shows are returning to the galleries this spring.
“Part of the really exciting thing about this year is that it’s our first in-person show since 2019. It was really nice to hang physical work and see it collected together in one space,” Jamieson said. “Over the past two years, Lawrence House and Gallery in the Grove were great in helping us out … by providing a digital platform for our students. That was great but we’re all ready to get back to an in-person event, it’s very rewarding to look around and see all the work collected together.”
As in years past, visitors to both exhibitions will get a chance to view a wide variety of art and subject matter, Jamieson said. Bold, provocative pieces will stand alongside contemplative and enigmatic work – there is no one theme to either show.
“The one common thread is that the work is the voice of young people in the community,” he said. “So it’s always neat to see such a wide range of things reflecting the thoughts of this age group.”
Providing a forum for students to showcase their work is priceless, Jamieson said, something that the students will likely never forget.
“The kids are so excited when they get the congratulations/invitation,” he said. “It’s always rewarding to see your work in a gallery.”
Both galleries have gone above and beyond to accommodate the art shows and give nascent local artists a well-deserved boost, Jamieson added. Students and teachers are indebted to the galleries’ generosity, he said.
The Lambton County Student Art Show takes place at Lawrence House Center for the Arts until May 26, with art from students in grade 9 to grade 12. Gallery in the Grove’s Fast Forward exhibition showcases senior art from grade 11 and 12 students and runs from May 14 to June 4.