Several students from Leominster High School showcased their artwork in a local exhibit for the first time, marking a significant milestone for their art department. The event, organized by the Sterling Arts Collaborative, took place on November 8 and 9, 2023 at the historic 1835 Town Hall in downtown Sterling.
Art teacher and department head Shelly Saben submitted one of her paintings alongside works created by her students. This was not only the first instance of Leominster High School participating in a Sterling Arts Collaborative exhibit but also the first time Saben had her own artwork displayed publicly. “The enthusiasm the students feel and the pride they have in their work is such a wonderful thing to experience,” said her colleague, Linnea Romhanyi.
The exhibit featured a diverse range of artists, from elementary school children to a participant over 99 years old, displaying a variety of mediums including photographs and paintings. The organizers noted the impressive engagement of the exhibiting artists, who interacted with attendees to discuss their works and share insights.
Saben expressed her excitement about the opportunity to present her students’ work in the fall, contrasting it with the typical spring-focused art competitions. “It was wonderful to have an opportunity to showcase our students’ work in the fall,” she stated. The students who had their artwork featured included 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 also participated.
The exhibit held special significance for Saben, as she displayed her painting titled “Kids Boots” alongside a pastel drawing created by her mother, Joanne Fortin. Saben shared that her journey into art was reignited when she began a master’s program in her late 40s. “Exhibiting my work was something I hadn’t thought much about; it was never really a priority for me artistically,” she explained. “Teaching and mentoring students brought me joy.”
Encouraged by her mother, Saben submitted her artwork to the exhibit, which she described as a momentous occasion. “She literally took a painting off my wall to submit to the SAC fall art show! I love her for that, and for all the encouragement she has given me over the years,” Saben added.
The Sterling Arts Collaborative continues to celebrate local talent and community engagement, inviting the public to view photos and information about future events on their social media platforms. As Saben looks ahead, she hopes to collaborate with the organization again to further expose her students to the local arts scene.
