Exhibition to be held May 28 to July 3, 2016
It started as a kernel of an idea in a young artist’s mind, and now it is blossoming into reality. The first-ever Northumberland Youth Art Exhibition is set to open at The Colborne Art Gallery on Saturday, May 28, featuring original artwork by young people from across the county.
Zoe Bergeron is the originator of this exhibition. The 12-year-old student at Baltimore Public School approached gallery members with her idea last year. It wasn’t long before a date for the exhibition was set and a call was sent out through schools and the media inviting young artists to submit their work.
The call was open to all young people in Northumberland County aged 11-14, encouraging them to create work in any medium for this exhibition. At least 100 pieces have been submitted, some individually, others through their schools, and are now being displayed in the lovely heritage gallery. For most of the young artists, this will be their first time showing work in a professional gallery setting.
The process of creating a piece of art for this exhibition was no doubt both a creative and an educational experience for each artist. One notable example is the grade 8 class of Dale Road Senior Public School. They were each assigned to research a Canadian artist and to create a work of art in the style of this artist, and to document all the steps involved with creating their piece.
Art by young people is rarely seen in public gallery settings, and when it is, viewers are often amazed by the quality and creativity of these works. Young artists, at this formative stage in their development, are learning to express themselves, experimenting with new skills and materials, reach into the past and point towards the future with their art. They are discovering talents, telling stories and exploring what moves them to create. The fresh perception that these works of art offer to the world is what makes this such a stimulating experience for the viewers.
The Northumberland Youth exhibition opens Saturday, May 28 and runs to July 3, in conjunction with an exhibition by guest artist Audrey Smith and gallery members. The opening reception from 2-4pm will provide an opportunity to meet many of these talented artists. All are welcome, admission is free and the gallery is wheelchair accessible. Regular gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, 12 noon to 5:00 pm. For more information, phone 905-355-1798.
-Monika Devine
Scenes from the Opening Reception
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Further Press
NorthumberlandNews.com
Young artist Zoe Bergeron rallies Colborne Art Gallery to hold first youth exhibition
Northumberland Today
Colborne Gallery calls for young artists
Classical 103.1 FM
Zoe Bergeron An Artist Inspiring Other Young Artists
