High school students set SSAIL at the Murray Library
The Murray Library at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) recently received an infusion of colour and creativity, courtesy of senior art students from Saskatoon’s Marion M. Graham Collegiate.
By Sean ConroyThe art exhibit is part of the Secondary School Art in the Library (SSAIL) initiative, a partnership between the Department of Art and Art History, Student Recruitment, and the University Library, which began in September 2015. SSAIL introduces students from a local high school to art and art history offerings at USask and provides them with the opportunity to showcase their finished pieces at the library.
Each fall, Student Recruitment, and the Department of Art and Art History, connect with a local high school art teacher who has expressed interest in the project. Workshops are offered to the high school art class to help the students develop their skills and to promote USask’s visual arts programs. The students create a piece of artwork during the fall semester that is of importance or meaning to them and provide a reflection to accompany their piece.
“SSAIL is a wonderful opportunity for prospective students to connect with USask,” said Alison Pickrell, assistant vice-provost, strategic enrolment management. “Students learn about the opportunities to study art at USask and also the important learning supports that the University Library offers.”
“The response to SSAIL from our partners, visitors to the library and our employees has been exciting,” said Christine Drever, Murray Library operations manager. “We are very proud to present the work of these talented art students to our one million visitors.”
The artists were honoured at a reception in March at the Murray Library and their framed works were unveiled on the first floor, where they will be displayed until December.