The spotlight was on creativity and student talent at Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute (VCI) during the school’s Arts and Culture Week, held from January 13 to 17. The week’s highlight was the Arts Showcase, where families and friends were invited to experience an inspiring evening of art, drama, dance, and music.

The Thursday night showcase began with a visit to the student art gallery, hosted in the school’s library. This gallery featured final projects from students enrolled in an art class, with a variety of pieces available for purchase.

Among the standout works was Grade 11 student Sophie Marelic’s Beauty and the Beast, a mixed-media creation using plaster, paint, and cardboard that depicted an angelic being with a horn. “I wanted to show that all people are beautiful, even if you have something that isn’t the norm,” she explained.

Kolby Myre, another Grade 11 student, painted Hungry Man using acrylic paint. He illustrated a figure holding a giant bowl, seeping water, with cities outlined on the horizon.

Following the gallery viewing, attendees were treated to an engaging concert featuring drama, dance, and musical performances by VCI students enrolled in drama, dance and music programs. The event was a testament to the creativity and dedication of both students and staff.

Throughout the week, students also participated in a variety of workshops — from songwriting to photography, among others — to enhance students’ skills and broaden their artistic horizons.

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

In addition to the in-school celebrations, students enrolled in VCI’s new Arts and Culture Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program contributed artwork to a special exhibit at the Vankleek Hill Arbor Gallery. Titled Distortion, the exhibit features individual pieces from SHSM students and is on display from January 16 to February 8.

Organizing teacher of Arts and Culture Week Gisele Paquette expressed her enthusiasm for the program and its impact on students. “I believe in real-world learning and have been a strong advocate for the Arts and Culture SHSM. 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 Arts and Culture SHSM, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see students thrive,” Paquette said.