The talent of the art world's future innovators is brilliantly on display at the Lindsay Gallery, courtesy of the fourth Annual Secondary School Juried Exhibition.

For the next two weeks, the work of students from five regional high schools will be on display, showcasing a broad range of techniques in mediums including watercolour and acrylic, photography, collage, sculpture and metalwork.

With 100 skillful pieces submitted for judging, incoming Station Gallery (Whitby) curator Olexander Wlasenko had a challenging time selecting winners for the dozen different awards.

Mr. Wlasenko told This Week it can be difficult to evaluate work by students without letting one's personal bias influence decisions. Success comes by evaluating work in relation to their peers.
When kids are going through high school, and later in college, they tend to strive for conditions akin to photography - in other words; realism - said Mr. Wlasenko.

"So it's interesting to see something that is more expressive that comes from the student's inner being," he noted. "I'm really seeing a sophistication and maturity in student work, particularly in this exhibition."

Mr. Wlasenko was also impressed with the level of technical agility presented by a number of students, such as Elizabeth Nicholls' "masterful representation" of Paris, France.

"When I first walked in I thought it was a photograph," said Mr. Wlasenko, who was thrilled to discover it was done in one of the most challenging mediums; watercolour.

He was also pleased to see students embracing and exploring technology in their arts studies.
Something was absent, however.

When Mr. Wlasenko juries shows at the Ontario College of Art and Design, he often sees themes evolving.

"I'm not seeing that here. All the students are articulating with their own artistic voice."

The exhibition, which covers the walls of the Lindsay Gallery - located on the second floor of the Lindsay branch public library on Kent Street - from floor to ceiling. Work will be on display until May 24.

Admission to the gallery is free, although donations are always appreciated. The gallery is open from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday.

For more information, call 705-324-1780 or visit its website at www.thelindsaygallery.com.