Nine emerging artists will be showcasing a selection of work at the NIC Fine Arts Graduations Exhibition at the Muir Gallery in Courtenay.
Artwork displayed will include painting, drawing, ceramics and sculpture. Opening night May 11 will be an opportunity to meet these artists.
This is an opportunity to see exploratory and experimental works in a variety of media that challenge and intrigue. Some students are embarking on their artistic career after finishing the NIC Fine Art diploma program; other students will be continuing their education through the Emily Carr degree program at North Island College.
This year’s graduates are an unusually small class which has afforded them a much greater degree of one on one time with their instructors. Decades of skill from the some of the longer practising artists and the new vision and energy of the younger has created an excellent atmosphere for growth in many areas.
Class critiques where work is displayed and discussed are an opportunity to demonstrate new skills, approaches and experimentation. This excellent learning tool has given each artist an opportunity to give and receive constructive insight and feedback from both instructors and peers.
Says one student, “My time at NIC has broadened my horizons and skills in ways that I never imagined were possible. I will always be grateful for the encouragement I have received from my instructors and the opportunity to witness my classmates blossom into such wonderful artists.”
This show presents an opportunity to invest in art at the beginning of an artist’s career. Students are working hard to organize the exhibition and opening reception and invite the public to join them May 11 from 7 to 9 p.m. to meet the artists.
The show will run May 12 to 26 at the Muir Gallery at 440 Anderton Ave, in Courtenay by the river.
— North Island College Fine Arts