Artists of the future

The Gibson Gallery in Amherstburg is supporting high school students by showcasing their artwork.

Students from General Amherst and St. Thomas of Villanova high schools brought their art pieces to the Gibson Gallery, in order to promote it and display it for the public.

The exhibit was full of different kinds of arts. Paintings showed everything from landscapes to portraits, while sculpted items showed statues from different materials and more.

Antonio Simone, a student at General Amherst High School, has been drawing since he was a child, and the gallery was a good place to showcase his artwork.

“I drew a lot when I was young, my mom used to draw a lot before she had kids, she had a bunch of art supplies in the house and I used to use them and I have not really stopped since then,” said Simone.

Teachers at both schools understand how significant this show is to their students after they worked hard to achieve great results.

“Some of these kids really excel in different mediums, so it’s really nice to put their best work on display and have them feel a sense of pride and accomplishment,” said Andrea Craig-wammes, a teacher at General Amherst High School.

The partnership between the gallery and the schools has been a successful one for the past nine years.

“Ten years ago, we were doing a fundraising drive for the gallery and at that time we decided to start offering a scholarship to the local high schools’ students. As a result of that, I brought it to the board that since we are giving a scholarship, we should also be showcasing the

work of the schools and this is our ninth year of working in partnership with the schools,” said Bonnie Deslippe, office administrator at the Gibson Gallery.

Students and teachers from both schools will gather again on April 5 at the Gibson Gallery to celebrate their achievements and doors will be open to the public.