On now at the downtown library branch is an art show exhibiting the creative youth of some of the City’s schools.
The Red Deer Art’s council in conjunction with Red Deer Public Library are pleased to currently present the 27th annual Middle Schools, Awesome Art Show.
Artwork featured in this show include pieces from students at Eastview, Central, Gateway, West Park and Glendale middle schools.
The artwork has been on display since May 2nd and will remain up until May 27th for the viewing public’s pleasure.
Diana Anderson, coordinator at the Red Deer Art’s Council, said the show is “absolutely amazing” and that she is often blown away by the different things students come up with to display at the show.
“It’s important to get kids involved because art has always proven to be a leveller. When you’re first involved in art it gets you thinking creatively, so the younger we can get them thinking that way the better.”
She explained that art, just as much as sports, is important to childhood development because it surrounds us every day in our lives.
“If you sit down and look at your computer you might peruse something in the literary arts or listen to music or even just sketching and doodling, that’s all art,” said Anderson.
She said part of the idea that the Red Deer Art’s Council wants to get across is that art is fully permeated into everything we do from the graphic art on a shirt to the furniture we have in our homes.
“If you suggest a day without art you wouldn’t be able to do anything. People say they’re not interested in the arts until you suggest taking it away which would include their television, and then it clicks.”
The Middle Schools Awesome Art Show displays a number of works and Anderson said she couldn’t even count them but that there are probably around 100 pieces.
“Everything from paintings to sculptures and ceramics, print making, drawing and some portrait work that is just outstanding this year.”
Each school can provide the display with a certain number of pieces as space is limited, but Anderson said they do a good job of choosing which pieces should be shown.
“We want to get kids involved. The younger we get them involved the sooner they start to see the value of the arts.”
kpalardy@reddeerexpress.com
