Chris Hunsley
Northern News Services

Inuvik (July 25/05) - Future stars of the art world, colourful savants and brilliant dreamers may one day look back and say they got their start at the Great Northern Arts Festival.

Recent Samuel Hearne secondary school graduate Thomas Male shows off a piece of his artwork that is on display in the Great Northern Arts Festival's student gallery.

The territory's premier event for professional artists offered up some of its wall space last week to aspiring, some even unknowing, artists, many of whom still shuffle their way through the hallowed halls of Samuel Hearne secondary school.

"I thought it was a great idea," said Christina Wilsdon, festival artistic director, of Samuel Hearne art instructor Barry McEvoy's proposal for a student art show. "Then it was just a matter of scratching my head and figuring out where it would go."

The school's foyer, where students traditionally exhibit, was damaged last year when the roof caved in.

More than 20 often abstract, colourful, and professionally-matted canvasses are mounted in a separate students gallery for all to see.

"There's been very positive feedback," said Wilsdon. "The community is very happy to see the promotion of young artists within the community."

Each piece was created in McEvoy's classroom during the school year and represents one of may principles taught, he explained.

Styles vary from simple colour and geometric design, to optical illusions, to realistic watercolour and pencil drawings.

It's not simply the best of the best, McEvoy explained. The collection was chosen to represent the wealth of styles studied and to allow every student the opportunity to show their work. "And they took all the best pieces home with them," he said laughing.

"I'm more surprised than anything that two of my pieces were chosen," said Thomas Male of his circle and grid patterned artwork.

The fame won't go to his head, though.

"My inspiration was really just to pass Grade 10 art class," he joked.

The recent graduate does feel the exhibit should return every year allowing students to prepare during class time.

"Items could then be put up for sale."

McEvoy chose not to price pieces this year. "Many of the students shown are either out on the land or involved with other activities right now," said McEvoy, explaining most would be absent for the entire showing.

"I would need their permission to sell."