Students showcase artwork at Estevan’s Michaels for second year – DiscoverEstevan.com

Student artwork from Estevan Comprehensive School is on display at Michaels for the second year, giving young artists a chance to show their work in a public space.

“We had the opportunity to display art for the second year in a row,” said Jillian Connelly, the ECS art and drama teacher.

Students created pieces inspired by food and desserts associated with the store, as well as works influenced by other artists. Some of the other students explored their own creative interests.

“I had the kids do projects that were sort of a nod to Michael, the cinnamon buns and the desserts,” she said. “We did a hyper-realistic food project in different mediums, acrylic paint, colored pencil. There are a few pieces that are inspiration projects that they chose to be inspired by different artists and do their own take on a piece,” Connelly said.

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Opportunity beyond the classroom

The display came together after outreach from the Arts Council. Connelly claims that having artwork on display outside the school is an important experience for students.

“The Arts Council reached out to me,” Connelly said. “I’m so lucky to be able to have an opportunity like this for the kids so they can show off their amazing work. I think it’s a really wonderful opportunity for them to show all the things that they’ve learned, all of the growth that’s taken place this year, and an opportunity for them to put themselves out there,” she said.

She emphasized the value of public exposure for young artists.

“Having the opportunity to be self-expressive and to grow as a person through your artwork, to display that is really not only brave of them,” she said.

Bethany Dittman, member of the Arts Council, agreed that the display can have a lasting impact.

“They haven’t had the experience, perhaps, to show their work in a public place,” said Dittman.

“It empowers them and gives them confidence that they may have never had before.”