The High School Juried Art Show: A Platform for Emerging Artists

The annual High School Juried Art Show, now in its 14th year, has once again provided a platform for talented young artists from local high schools to showcase their work in a diverse range of mediums. Held at the Mann Gallery, this year’s exhibition featured an impressive 71 pieces from Grade 12 students, each with their own unique perspective and style. Notable Winners

1. **Best in Show:** Rachel Gibson’s “Becoming” won the top prize in the competition, showcasing her growth and evolution as an artist over the past four years.
2. **Emerging Artist Award:** Kayden Montgrand took home the award for his captivating piece “Iridescence”, highlighting the beauty of light and colour.
3. **Barb Lacey Memorial Award:** Kayla Lange and Tatianna Trautmann were recognized for their outstanding work, demonstrating the importance of collaboration and teamwork.

The Artistic Process
According to the students, the artistic process is a journey of self-discovery and growth. Rachel Gibson, the winner of Best in Show, explained that she wanted to showcase her various mediums, including felting, clay, acrylic, oil, and mixed media.
“Since it was my last year being in this competition, I wanted to show like the evolution of my art, so I have me and like a bunch of different mediums that I do like felting, clay, acrylic oil, and then I have me on there, obviously and just showing everything that I love to do,”
Gibson’s piece was a reflection of her passion for art and her desire to share it with others. She added that she enjoyed the experience of being part of the High School Juried Art Show, citing the opportunity to spend time with friends and create a special day out.
Kayden Montgrand, the winner of the Emerging Artist Award, shared his thoughts on receiving the award, saying:
“I think it’s an honor to have my art on the wall, and especially to get an award for it. I think that’s pretty special.”
Montgrand’s piece, “Iridescence”, was inspired by the beauty of light and colour, and he noted how it was a unique experience to have his artwork on display in the gallery.
Cate Rapin, a Grade 12 student at St. Mary, also shared her thoughts on the experience, saying:
“I’ve just been loving it and the opportunity to put my art out there and show the public I think is a really cool opportunity.”
Rapin’s piece revealed the vulnerability that comes with being a teenager, and she explained how her drawing was inspired by her own feelings of independence and self-acceptance.
Finn Blackman, a student at Carlton Comprehensive High School, was inspired by the landscape of Saskatchewan, particularly the grain elevators that dot the province’s countryside.
“I’ve just been like insanely interested in just a landscape in general of like Saskatchewan as a whole, and just every single time I see a grain elevator it just moves me. I just really like the landscape of Prince Albert and Saskatchewan,”
Blackman noted how it didn’t matter where his art was shown, as long as it was part of a collective art exhibit.
“I think it’s good to see like different types of art. It shows like a story for each individual person here.”
The Exhibition
The 14th Annual High School Juried Art Show runs until June 7, providing a final opportunity for visitors to experience the diverse range of artistic talents on display.
Every piece is unique, showcasing the individuality and creativity of the students involved.
As the exhibition comes to a close, the students who participated in the High School Juried Art Show are already looking forward to next year’s event, excited to continue exploring their artistic passions and sharing their talents with others.