Exhibition showcases college students work

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On May 30, more than 50 works of student art went on display at NorQuest College in downtown Edmonton. The art show was a part of the first student art exhibition and sale titled Art Attack.

Light refreshments, cheese and crackers, and dessert was served as more than 300 people mingled throughout the evening while a violin ensemble played softly in the background.

"This art display and sale is all about students showing their art. This is not an art class showing their work specifically. These students worked on the pieces on top of their schoolwork," said David Beharry, manager of communications for Norquest College.

"I like to paint because I like to pass on my culture and the teachings in my artwork," said student Sherman Bull. "I look to my uncle, Robert Bull. He was the one who inspired me. Most of his paintings are in Hobbema.

"I hope to keep drawing and to eventually have my works displayed in a museum," Bull said.

"I enjoy freeing the spirit that is trapped in each piece of stone that I pick up and work with," said carver Andrew Wanderingspirit. "I started carving in 1996, full-time. I'm a self-taught carver and I learn from each piece," he said.

"I do my artwork because it represents my culture. I like people enjoying my artwork. It is unique and different and I expect it to get better," said student Chester Bigstone.

The idea to hold the art exhibition and sale began after the college commissioned Mary Ann Walker, formerly of the Edmonton Art Gallery, to purchase art to decorate the facility.

"When Mary Ann started to see some of the work that these students were doing in their spare time, she said there was no reason to purchase anything at all because the art work is here at the college. So we thought since we have all this great artwork, let's let everybody see it, and that is how it came about. The works are exceptional. The ability to do their pieces comes naturally for them," said Beharry.

"This art exhibit is a chance for people to come enjoy themselves, take a look at the artwork, and talk to the artists. The art pieces are for sale. The money goes to the students. Nothing is going to the college. It is very interesting to see artwork done by people who are not professionals and how exceptional it truly is," he said.

"Oh, I thought that it went very successfully," said Walker. "The students were happy. The show was fabulous. Really an incredible group of students; very, very talented. I think that the public was quite impressed.

"The college was also quite impressed, so it really makes us determined to continue this kind of exhibition for the students, to expand on it and to give them further access to materials in the art community," she said.