Comox Valley students will have their artwork on display for the next month at Pearl Ellis Gallery in Comox.

鈥滶merging Voices鈥� will feature the vibrant and diverse artwork of secondary students from Highland Secondary and Georges P. Vanier Secondary schools. Running from May 28 to June 22, this showcase is a celebration of the creativity and hard work of these young artists.

The many young artists involved have produced some outstanding, inventive visual statements to share with the public. The show offers various processes including sculpture, acrylic and watercolour paintings, printmaking, collage, photography, and assorted drawing mediums and mixed media. This exhibition highlights the passionate activity and dedication found within the art programs of both schools.

鈥淧eople often remark that they are impressed at the high level of quality and creative depth these young artists are able to attain,鈥� said Teresa Kachanoski, president of the Pearl Ellis Gallery board of directors. 鈥淲e鈥檙e always proud of the students, their hard work and commitment, and look forward to sharing our annual high school show with the public once again.鈥�

Highland Secondary鈥檚 Grade 11 and 12 visual arts students will present a variety of artworks, including acrylic landscapes, oil paintings, graphite drawings, a kinetic mobile, and a dynamic display of sculpted ceramic hands.

鈥淢any of these students have never participated in an art show or considered displaying their work in a public gallery,鈥� said Barb Mareck, Highland art teacher and artist. 鈥淎ny opportunity to display is an opportunity for empowerment and a boost to their self-confidence.鈥�

This year, Vanier Secondary students will showcase exceptional artwork across various grade levels and media. Their contributions feature standout young artists representing the pinnacle of Vanier鈥檚 visual arts program. For the first time, digital paintings will be showcased alongside traditional relief printing. According to teacher David Randall, standout Grade 10 artist Graye Szilvassy has excelled in all media, contributing exemplary pieces in acrylic and ink.

The exhibition鈥檚 opening reception will be held on Thursday, May 30, from 6-8 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artists and art teachers, discuss the works on display, and enjoy refreshments.

With a wide variety of styles and subject matter using numerous mediums, this exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in the creativity of our community鈥檚 talented young artists.

Admission is free, and everyone is welcome.

The Pearl Ellis Art Gallery is located at 1729 Comox Ave. in Comox. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, from noon to 4 pm. Beginning June 1, the gallery will return to its pre-COVID hours of 10 a.m. to 4 pm. For more information about the gallery, visit pearlellisgallery.com