Students' Art Displayed at Queen's Park
Posted on 03/11/2020
Students' Art Displayed at Queen's Park
A group of students from G.C. Huston Public School in Southampton were recently invited to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in Queen's Park to share their artistic talents.
Under the guidance of Vice-Principal Patricia Holm, the nine students had submitted their artwork during the fall to the Youth Arts Program with the goal of being featured in an exhibition in the Legislative Building. The students' submission included the following description:
“This artwork was submitted by grade 7 and 8 Ojibwe students from the Saugeen First Nation who attend the Anishnaabemowin (Native Language) class at G.C. Huston Public School in Southampton. The students have utilized a variety of techniques and materials to complete their individual pieces which were inspired by Mshkokmii-kwe (Mother Earth).”
Following their submission, Vice-Principal Holm and the students were thrilled to receive a response from the Public Relations office at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario congratulating the school on the acceptance of its artwork.
On the evening of Wednesday, February 19, 2020, the student artists and their parents were invited to join other Ontario students between the ages of 12 and 18 at the Youth Arts Gala reception in Toronto to celebrate their contributions to the exhibit, which were displayed in the West Wing of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.
Students and guests were formally welcomed through the grand front entrance, entertained by an acapella group from the University of Toronto, and addressed by the Speaker of the House, Ted Arnott. Everyone enjoyed a selection of catered hors d'oeuvres and pastries while viewing the artwork of their peers, as well as their own, securely locked in glass display cases.
If the saying holds true that everyone will have 15 minutes of fame, these young artists can say they have achieved that and more! The students were excited, nervous, humble, and countless other emotions. Above all else, they were proud.
The experience also included the offer of a guided tour of the Legislative Chamber, which came as an unexpected educational opportunity for all involved.
Congratulations to these very talented G.C. Huston Public School student artists, whose artwork is already being requested for display by several local galleries following the exhibition in Toronto!
