UPDATE: Several Leominster High School students are making headlines after having their artwork showcased in a local exhibit for the very first time. The Sterling Arts Collaborative held its fall show on November 8 and 9, 2023, at the historic 1835 Town Hall in downtown Sterling, marking a significant milestone for the students and their art department.
Art teacher Shelly Saben, who leads the art department, submitted her own piece alongside the remarkable works of her students. Notably, this is the first time LHS has participated in an SAC exhibit, and it also represents Saben’s debut in showcasing her artwork publicly.
“This experience is a tremendous boost for our students’ confidence in their creative abilities,” said fellow art teacher Linnea Romhanyi. “Seeing their work displayed alongside established artists gives them a sense of accomplishment that transcends the classroom.”
The exhibit featured a diverse array of artistic expressions, including paintings and photographs, with participant ages ranging from elementary school children to a remarkable 99-year-old artist. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees praising the opportunity to engage with the artists and discuss their creative processes.
Several LHS students had their outstanding pieces on display, including juniors Lola Couture, Ivan Kaidalin, and Huynh Tran, as well as seniors Sid Imbriani, Kenzie Moyen, Avin Ruiz, Erin Sargent, and Natalie Smith. Sophomore Sophie Lopez from the Leominster Center for Technical Education Innovation (CTEi) also participated, showcasing the talent that Leominster has to offer.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase our students’ work this fall,” Saben remarked. “Typically, we’re only able to enter competitions in the spring season. We hope to collaborate with SAC again to further engage our students with the local art community.”
Saben expressed the emotional significance of this event, as her painting titled “Kids Boots” was displayed next to a pastel drawing by her mother, Joanne Fortin. This moment was particularly special for Saben, who returned to painting later in life while pursuing a master’s degree in her late 40s.
“Exhibiting my work wasn’t a priority for me; my passion has always been teaching and mentoring students,” Saben said. “However, my mother encouraged me to share my art publicly, even taking one of my paintings off the wall to submit to the exhibit!”
The Sterling Arts Collaborative shared images and updates from the exhibit on their social media platforms, inviting community members to follow them for more information on upcoming shows and local talent.
As the excitement from this exhibit continues to resonate within the Leominster community, students and teachers alike are looking forward to future opportunities that further highlight their artistic capabilities. The success of this event not only underscores the importance of arts education but also reinforces the value of community support in nurturing creativity among young artists.
Stay tuned for more updates as Leominster High School continues to make strides in the arts community!
