An opening reception for The Cre8ivity Project was well attended by Balmoral Hall School’s community Feb. 26, 2015. PHOTO: Jennifer Pawluk
For almost three years, plans have been in the works for an Exchange District exhibition featuring Balmoral Hall School students’ art.
Now, we are pleased to present The Cre8ivity Project at Cre8ery Gallery and Studio.
Curated by visual arts teacher Kristina Karlsson, The Cre8ivity Project is a labour of love.
“Having a show of this magnitude was something I dreamed of doing for a long time,” says Karlsson. “I have always thought Cre8ery would be a perfect space to showcase an exhibition of student artwork.
“The day after I learned that my interview at Balmoral Hall was a successful one, I put us on Cre8ery’s long waiting list.”
This exhibition showcases a variety of projects from Balmoral Hall’s visual arts program, including self-portraits from Junior School students.
Classroom projects from Middle School include anthropomorphic insect drawings in pen and ink, imaginary animals, and beautifully sketched interior drawings in one-point perspective.
Grades 9 and 10 students are showcasing their own versions of Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” with a focus on colour psychology and expressionism.
A highlight, however, may be grades 11 and 12 students’ independent projects, including a bench constructed with hockey sticks, “disturbingly cute” felted creatures, paintings, drawings, and more.
Creatively designed, high-definition photographs from digital photography students are being shown, as well.
Balmoral Hall art students from grades 1 to 12 are showing their work at Cre8ery this month. PHOTO: Jennifer Pawluk
“One installation volunteer commented that there is a minimalist way of doing things, and then there is my way of doing things,” Karlsson shares. “I took it as a compliment, because my goal was to make The Cre8ivity Project as inclusive as possible.”
Students, parents, faculty, staff, alumnae, and friends attended an opening reception February 26.
More than 300 works from grades 1 to 12 art students will be shown until March 10.
Among those sharing their art in The Cre8ivity Project is grade 12 student Sarah Gage, whose study in pointillism, a pen and ink rendering of a tiger created entirely out of tiny dots, required nearly two years to complete.
What began as a personal project in grade 10 developed into something much more, which she is glad to have completed in time for the exhibition.
Balmoral Hall visual arts teacher Kristina Karlsson (left) with grade 12 student Sarah Gage, who created this drawing of a tiger using pointillism. PHOTO: Jennifer Pawluk
“I did not realize how time consuming it would be,” reflects Gage. “I took a break from working on it for about nine months and then finished it for The Cre8ivity Project.
“It is one of the things I am most proud of,” she notes of this opportunity to show her work in a local gallery.
“The opening had an awesome vibe. Everyone was in awe, bonding over their love of art. It takes a lot of dedication to put an event like this together.
“I am extremely happy with how we were able to pull it off. I am very grateful to have been a part of The Cre8ivity Project. I hope this is something that continues for years to come.”
Visit Cre8ery (125 Adelaide St.) during the Exchange District’s First Fridays event on March 6 from 5-9 p.m.
