The Terrace Art Gallery is once again hosting its annual youth exhibition from May 5 to May 27, showcasing the artistic talents of students from various schools and the Terrace Art Gallery youth members.
Participating schools include Alvin A. McKay Elementary in the Nass Valley, Caledonia Senior Secondary, Cassie Hall Elementary, Centennial Christian School, Na Aksa Gyilak’yoo School at Kitsumkalum, Skeena Middle School, Suwilaawks, and Veritas Catholic School.
The youth exhibition is a long-standing tradition, held every May for more than 10 years.
Laura McGregor, Terrace Art Gallery coordinator, said the number of participating artists varies each year, as does the involvement of different schools.
The students’ artwork generates immense pride among the young artists and their families, with parents and grandparents visiting the gallery throughout the month to take pictures of their children’s masterpieces.
McGregor will even inform some parents about their children’s participation when they are unaware of it.
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The exhibition features diverse works, including some exciting exhibits by Indigenous students from Na Aksa Gyilak’yoo School, who have contributed medicine pouches and cedar box paintings.
Artworks displayed in the exhibition do not have to be for sale, but when they are, the gallery keeps a 25 per cent commission. Students can become youth members of the gallery, which offers them benefits such as participating in other shows, selling their art in the gift shop, and borrowing frames for their artwork.
According to McGregor, the primary goal for this year’s exhibition is to encourage participation and outreach, with no specific theme set for the artworks. Many of the students participating in the exhibition have attended the gallery’s youth camps which make young artists more comfortable in a gallery setting.
McGregor has witnessed the progression of students who have been featured in the youth shows and camps, with some returning to participate in the gift shop or applying for exhibition space after graduation.
The Terrace Art Gallery is located in the basement of the Terrace Public Library, at 4610 Park Ave., and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors are welcome to come and support the budding artists in their community and experience the diverse talents showcased at the exhibition.
Viktor Elias joined the Terrace Standard in April 2023.
Tips or story ideas? (250) 638-7283 ext. 5411 or viktor.elias@terracestandard.com.
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