By Medicine Hat News on April 5, 2018.
Medicine Hat News Every spring for 40 years students in the Medicine Hat region have had the opportunity to have their art work displayed for all to see. The 2018 School Art exhibition is currently on at the Esplanade and the level of talent being showcased an be summed up in just one word. “Unsurpassed,” said Tobie Laliberte, the Esplanade’s marketing and promotions co-ordinator. There are more than 700 works of art from 41 area schools filling the gallery. That’s a quite a jump from the 50 works in the first School Art exhibition, but Laliberte wishes there could be more. “It’s amazing to see the range and the accomplishments of all these students,” he said, noting drawing, painting, sculpture, digital media and video as some of the mediums on display from students ranging from early learning programs to Grade 12. Having their art on display and viewed by thousands can be inspirational for the students, so the Esplanade is always pleased to bring present School Art. “It’s very important to bring the students into a professional environment, to make them feel good and to show them how it’s done at the professional level,” Laliberte said. “Some of these students end up pursuing studies in the arts, sometimes because of School Art. I can’t claim that for sure it’s because of (School Art) but it definitely encourages students to pursue the arts in a professional manner.” The exhibition runs until May 12. Admission to the galleries is free to the public until that date. 10