Rae-Edzo (Feb 07/05) - Senior art students from Chief Jimmy Bruneau school in Rae-Edzo had their first professional exhibit last week.

The students' artwork was on display for almost a week at Nor-Art Gallery in Yellowknife.

Art teacher Monique Aisbett arranged the show with Nor-Art manager Margaret Nazon after visiting the gallery on one of her Professional Development days.

Each student in Aisbett's Grade 11 and 12 classes had one or two pieces on display at the gallery.

She said having a goal to aim for inspired the students to do their best.

"It really helps to get their motivation high, especially now that they've seen it," said Aisbett.

Artwork on display included spirit masks, drawings and paintings.

The show was also a success for the gallery.

Nazon said the exhibit attracted a lot of attention and many positive comments were recorded in the gallery's guestbook.

Aisbett came to teach in Rae last fall after finishing her teaching degree in Vancouver.

She is heartened by how much art is respected in the school and the community.

"The art room is absolutely beautiful," she said.

Aisbett also has an excellent teaching resource in the professional artists living in the community.

James Wedzin and Archie Beaulieu help out with the classes and John Sabourin may demonstrate soapstone carving for the students later this semester.

The students are also learning graphic design on the computers.