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Banting artists take over the Gibson Centre for Senior Art Show

November 27, 2020   ·   0 Comments

The senior art class of Banting Memorial High School has taken over the Gibson Centre with its Senior Art Show, “Euphoria.”

The annual show kicked off on November 12, runs until December 14, and displays a variety of mediums from watercolour to acrylic, stained glass and 3D installations.

The exhibit is available for viewing Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring 30 different student artists.

“The artwork reflects what these kids have been going through, what their feelings are… we’re certainly seeing the impact of the pandemic in their artwork,” said Jennifer Fortin, Executive Director of the Gibson Centre.

“I think that it really reflects the artistic creativity and the artistic expression that is in our community, in our young people.”

In the artist’s statement for the show, it notes the students have worked hard to hone and expand their talents over the last four years at Banting, leading them to their final pieces, which are being exhibited. The show also allowed the students to express what they’ve discovered about themselves during their high school experience.

“While 2020 has brought difficulties, uncertainty and change to everyone, art has been something that has remained constant,” the artist’s statement reads. “Even in these times of uncertainty, we have been able to rely on art to provide us with the feeling of euphoria that comes from self expression. Creating art is exhilarating. It makes us happy, focused and confident.”

“While our artworks are very different from one another, we all share a common, connected goal: to share with you the euphoria that we experience as we create our pieces. We hope that with each art piece, you are able to see a piece of us.”

Fortin noted that the talent of the youth in New Tecumseth always amazes her and the perspective provided this year is unique.

“I’m always encouraged by the potential that these kids have,” she said.

The Senior Art Show is taking place earlier than usual this year because the Simcoe County District School Board switched to a quadmester approach to allow for cohorting, which limits the risk of spreading COVID-19.

“I think because this has been a sort of truncated semester for them, I don’t think they have the time that they would normally have but I think there’s some real raw talent in this show,” Fortin noted.

“They are the future and they speak to what’s important today and I think it’s a very interesting perspective that we get from the youth”

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