“Every portrait that is painted with feeling is a portrait of the artist, not the sitter.” – Oscar Wilde

Vernon BC – For the next two weeks, art students from Vernon-area high schools are showcasing their talents at the annual School District #22 Exhibition at Gallery Vertigo. This year, the theme of the exhibition is “The Portrait”.

“The collaboration for the yearly District #22 Vertigo Show is a major highlight for all stakeholders. Students, teachers, parents and community work together to create a vibrant and youthful glimpse at our young artists. This year’s theme of “The Portrait,” represents studio work started in September 2012,” said Randy Kaneda, an art instructor from Vernon Secondary School and one of the organizers of the exhibition.

Teachers and gallery staff were busy on Saturday setting up the exhibition, which features work from Fulton, Vernon Secondary, W.L.Seaton, Kal Secondary and Charles Bloom Secondary schools.

Although the unifying theme of the exhibition is portraiture (a depiction of the visual appearance of a person), there is no shortage of diversity in this exhibition. “The artist may choose many methods and materials to render features. Expressionism, symbolism and abstraction are a few of many techniques that may be utilized to create a unique perspective,” said Kaneda.

The opening reception for the School District #22 Portrait Exhibition is January 17th, 2013, at Gallery Vertigo, which is located upstairs at 3001 – 31st Street. Students, parents and the public are invited.

The exhibition runs from Tuesday, January 15th through to Friday, February 1st.