Gordon F. Kells High School held a fun evening focusing on the students and their art they have created.
One student, Shayna Nicolay (gr. 9), who was involved with planning the evening said it best: "The school focuses a lot on sports and academics, so it's nice to have something focused on the arts for those of us who are interested in it."
The evening, hosted by students who enjoy the arts, were joined by arts education teacher, Carly Broberg, who was excited and nervous about the evening.
"It was a collaboration. Last semester my Art 20 class, I asked the students, 'You should be proud of your work and I think we should hold an art show, a gallery night, how would you feel about that?'" Broberg explained.
"I'm also part of the SLT and Emily Klatt brought up that she would like to do a general arts night, so I told her that I was already planning on doing one for the grade 11 and 12's art . . . let's do a full, school wide arts show."
From there the idea blossomed and on Thursday, May 29, at 7 p.m. the Art Gala welcomed students and community members to art displays from grades seven to 12. A talent show where musicians and thespians took to the stage was also a highlight throughout the evening as the school celebrated various aspects of the arts.
The theme for the evening came to be "Springtime in Paris," which Broberg explained was a natural fit in what the students wanted to portray.
"We came up with some different ideas and we just all really liked the idea of 'Springtime in Paris:' pretty, of the season, and Paris and art go hand in hand."
Thus, the bake sale saw beautifully decorated cakes with a Paris theme, one even decorated with chocolate replicas of the Eiffel Tower.
In addition to the bake sale there was a silent auction, which had many local artists donate pieces for the fundraiser.
"Word got out and we had a few local artists come... and say we would love to donate some of our work for the silent auction," Broberg explained. "So, it was basically through word of mouth. People were just really interested and supportive."
The school was able to raise more than $1,000, and despite being nervous about how it would turn out, the evening was a success in the eyes of those who attended with many taking to social media the next day expressing their hope that the evening will become an annual event.
Overall the money raised will be put back into arts programs and Broberg stated that this includes: "All of our art program, so we'll give some of our money to the band trip next year, drama productions, and then general money for the Fine Art classes..."
With support from the community in donation of silent auction items, there were also businesses and community members who gave door prizes to the group as well.
"A lot of people put a lot of work into it," Broberg said, which is why she was hopeful the evening would be a success.
