Alex Kurial
Local Journalism Initiative

The Victoria Hall Art Committee’s annual student showcase looks a little different this year, but still showcases the work of talented Lambton artists.

Each May, the committee partners with students from the LCCVI to display artwork at Victoria Hall. With restrictions due to the COVID-19 outbreak however, the plan had to be shelved. 

“This is not fair to the children, they didn’t ask for this,” said VHAC member Tracy Tobin.
“They work so hard all year and they deserve this recognition and a chance to exhibit. This can really boost morale and somebody’s confidence.”

Tobin saw that the Visiting Artists in Local School Program had decided to put on a virtual show to highlight their students work, and thought the idea would be perfect for Petrolia.
Soon the call was out, not just to LCCVI students, but to all young artists in Lambton County who wished to submit their work.

In total the art committee received 27 submissions from 12 students, ranging from artists age eight to recent LCCVI grads.

Mediums included graphite, acrylic, woodworking, ink and marker, colored pencil, charcoal, water color, digital graphic, paper collage, and even a henna tattoo design. 
“The whole committee once they saw all the work was like wow, what an arrangement of media,” Tobin said.

“These kids are just brilliant, we’re over the moon excited.”

Tobin then incorporated the works of art into a short video that is online.

“We need positivity, we need creativity, we need expression in a positive way.
“And we need community, that’s most important,” said Tobin.

Tobin said the committee may explore doing another virtual exhibit for local artists this summer, especially with their usual summer show already having been cancelled.