The LPSD Art Academy hosted a unique under-the-sea themed art show on May 29, featuring student-made installations and a special Connor McDavid painting.
The painting is up for live auction and closes on June 12.
The interactive exhibit at College Park School used recycled materials to build coral reefs, whale sharks, murals and ocean scenes. Students from across the school joined academy artists to create the pieces.
Read more: Mural Fest receives council support
“This is the LPSD Art Academy and we are having an interactive art show and installation themed under the sea,” said Brandi Hofer, the academy’s lead.
“We’ve taken recycled materials and repurposed them into this interactive installation so people can see and smell under the sea.”
Each class contributed small works, like fish and coral, to be part of the larger display.
“It was cool to get the Art Academy students working with their collective, small community here at College Park,” said Hofer.
The main goal of the exhibition was to let students explore art without strict rules.
“It wasn’t like, follow this instruction,” said Hofer. “They’re actually using their creativity and their problem-solving skills. They’re building confidence with it in this safe space.”
Parents and community members were invited to tour the installation in the afternoon and evening.
“I think everyone will experience a lot of pride,” said Hofer. “Especially when you see the children and how excited they are about what they’ve created out of basically discarded materials.”
The art show also served as a fundraiser. A painting of Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid, created by students, was up for live auction once internet issues were resolved.
“Our students created this Oilers piece of Connor McDavid to raise funds for the Art Academy,” said Hofer. “All the proceeds go back into programming.”
A print from last year’s artwork was also available.
“Same idea — this is our piece from last year, so we turned it into a print and all the proceeds go back into the academy,” she said.
The prints were selling for $89 with all funds supporting the program.
“Don’t be afraid to give us some money,” Hofer said with a laugh.
You can bid on the artwork here.
Read more: Kids auction McDavid for art’s sake
