VCI Arts and Culture Week showcases student creativity

EAP Newsroom
VCI Arts and Culture Week showcases student creativity
Grade 11 VCI Student Sophie Marelic with her art show pieces including «Beauty and the Beast» at Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute’s annual Arts and Culture Week which was held from Jan. 13 to 17. (Photo : UCDSB)

Creativity and student talent took centre stage at Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute (VCI) during its annual Arts and Culture Week, held from Jan. 13 to 17.

The highlight of the week was Thursday night’s Arts Showcase, an inspiring evening of art, drama, dance, and music that brought together students, families, and friends.

The evening began with a visit to the student art gallery in the school library, featuring final projects from students enrolled in an art class. Many pieces were available for purchase, drawing interest from attendees.

Among the standout works was Beauty and the Beast, a mixed-media piece by Grade 11 student Sophie Marelic. Using plaster, paint, and cardboard, Marelic created a horned angelic figure to convey a powerful message.

“I wanted to show that all people are beautiful, even if you have something that isn’t the norm,” she explained.

Another notable piece was Hungry Man by Grade 11 student Kolby Myre. Painted with acrylics, the artwork depicts a figure holding a leaking bowl of water, with a city skyline in the background.
Following the gallery viewing, students showcased their talents in a concert featuring drama, dance, and music performances. The event reflected the hard work and dedication of VCI students and staff, celebrating their passion for the arts.

Throughout the week, students participated in workshops ranging from songwriting to photography, designed to enhance their skills and expand their artistic perspectives.

“Arts and Culture Week has been a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the incredible talents of our students,” said Principal Ewen McIntosh. “The Showcase was the perfect culmination of their hard work and creativity, and it connects the creative process to real-world experiences in the broader arts sector.”

VCI students enrolled in the school’s new Arts and Culture Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program also contributed to a special exhibit at the Vankleek Hill Arbor Gallery. Titled Distortion, the exhibit features individual works from SHSM students and will run from Jan. 16 to Feb. 8.

Gisèle Paquette, the organizing teacher for Arts and Culture Week, highlighted the impact of the SHSM program on students.

“I believe in real-world learning and have been a strong advocate for the Arts and Culture SHSM,” Paquette said. “It offers opportunities for students to go beyond the classroom and participate in activities they wouldn’t normally experience. This is the first year we’ve offered the program, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see students thrive.”

VCI hopes that, with the success of this year’s event, the high school has proven its dedication to fostering creativity and celebrating student achievements in the arts.

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