This exhibition presents the artworks created by participants from the Jeuness créative NB Artful Youth program, a provincial high school arts program sponsored by the Sheila Hugh Mackay Foundation. The participating Saint John artists are Alyssa Callaghan, Myriam Charrois, Sasha Carhart, Diana Bilokon, and Sarah Elshazli.
Offered through the nine provincial arts centres and the Neqotkuk Art Studio, each location provided five high school students with an opportunity for mentorship and 16 hours of instruction in various mediums. The program encourages students to pursue a fine arts or fine craft career and post-secondary program after graduating from high school. Many thanks to the Beaverbrook Art Gallery for hosting an exhibition of the artworks created by these ambitious high school students.
Participating arts centres: Aberdeen Cultural Centre, Moncton; Andrew & Laura McCain Gallery, Florenceville-Bristol; AX Arts and Culture Centre, Sussex; Centre des Arts d’Edmundston, Edmundston; Centre des Arts et de la Culture de Dieppe, Dieppe; Charlotte Street Arts Centre, Fredericton; Neqotkuk Art Studio, Tobique First Nation; Saint John Arts Centre, Saint John; Société Culturelle Kent-Sud, Bouctouche; Sunbury Shores Arts & Nature Centre, St Andrews.
From the program’s SJAC instructor:
“It was my honour to work with these five young artists and my great joy to see their art exhibited at such prestigious institutions. The masterful drawings created by this group is a reflection of their work ethic, enthusiasm, and dedication to their learning.
As an educator, I was energized by these open minded, ambitious young artists. As an artist, I was heartened by their comradery and unwavering support for one another. These artists are the future of art in New Brunswick and, I am confident in saying, our future is bright.”
-Maggie Higgins
Special thanks to the generous support of the Sheila Hugh Mackay Foundation