On exhibit

by Sean McCarthy

Gallery X knows that all great artists were once young and unknown. For many high school students, the opportunity to showcase their art in a professional gallery can be a major step in their personal creative development, providing confidence and inspiration.

And for those who enjoy art, the level of quality work being done by area young people can be impressive. Impressive enough to want to buy it.

When the High School Select Redux student art show debuts on Wednesday, October 25 at Gallery X in downtown New Bedford, it will be a valuable opportunity for young area creatives to have their work showcased in a vibrant community of artists – a win/win situation for artists and art enthusiasts.

“These aren’t high schoolers making art; these are artists who happen to be in high school,” says Zachary White, Executive Director of Gallery X. “Much of the work wouldn’t make you think it’s done by students – it would go well with works by more accomplished artists.”

Funded by an Art Is Everywhere! grant from New Bedford Creative, the show will include as many as 100 students from New Bedford High School, Dartmouth High School, and Fairhaven High School. Located at 169 William Street, the show will be open to the public until November 26. At the conclusion of the exhibit, four students from each of the three schools will be awarded a year’s membership at the gallery, where they can continue to show their work. This year’s show will also feature work by a group of teachers from the three schools.

The student art will be in a variety of media, including painting, drawing, digital art, photography, ceramics, and mixed media. The grant allows the students and teachers to make professional presentations at no cost to them or the schools.

Gallery X is a nonprofit organization. Admission to the gallery is free, though donations are welcome.

Grand entrance

“This is a good opportunity for these people to be seen and get exposure,” White says of the students. “It’s good for their self esteem and motivation. It may inspire them to go further with their work and do more shows. Doing your first show helps you get over your nervousness, making it easier to do more shows. They’re going to get a lot of feedback from the community.”

“Any time a student can showcase their work is an amazing opportunity, but to be included in a gallery in a city like New Bedford, where the art community is bustling, provides its own advantages,” says Christine Neville, an art teacher at Fairhaven High School. “By including artwork on display in the gallery, students are more likely to visit the space, and in turn see the artwork of others in the local communities. Many of our students have not been to a gallery or museum, but by attending the show they gain a sense of belonging. To witness others viewing their art and talking about it can be a confidence booster.”

“These are hardworking students who are developing their skills, ideas, and voices,” says Rosannetta Rivera, an art teacher at New Bedford High School. “New Bedford is such a creative place, and this exhibit adds a little more creativity to downtown. They’re presenting to the public, which enables the public’s creativity to grow.”

This is the third consecutive year for the student show. The last two years were strictly students from New Bedford High. The high school showcase was started in 1999 and ran through 2010/2011 before going on a hiatus.“This year is exciting because we’re going to see work by other high schools,” Rivera says. “As teachers, we’re eager to see what other teachers are doing, and the students are excited to see what other kids at their level are doing. This is more than just presenting in front of a class.”

As in years past, the student showcase will allow for visitors to purchase art done by the students. “There’s a lot more going on artistically than people may realize,” White says. “There’s a lot of young talent in this area. This is one of the most popular shows we do each year.”

“The experience of having their work included in a gallery art show can lead to more opportunities” Neville says. “They can join a mailing list and participate in future shows. Their confidence can be lifted to make more art, and hopefully they will continue to share their art with others. It can also give them an awareness that viewing others’ art is an important part of the artistic process, but also a way to interact with the world.”

The Art Is Everywhere! grant will enable the gallery to expand its hours so that the students, their families, and the general public can enjoy the exhibit. The gallery’s website is galleryx.org.