Yellowknife (Jan 17/07) - It's exam time at Sir John Franklin High School, so what better time or place to have an art show with a theme of teenage angst?

Grade 11 students Alyissa Pickering and Christine Glowach's art show titled "A Series of Unfortunate Angst" is on display in the halls of the school.

And maybe it's because of the exams, or an overwhelming abundance of angst, but the two have actually sold some of their art.

"It's flattering that people actually want them," said Glowach. "Someone actually thinks that it's good enough."

Their art teacher Betty Wilcox is behind them all the way.

"I think this is wonderful, it's their initiative," said Wilcox.

Far from being angst-ridden and grim, the two teens are actually cheerful and friendly, encouraging students passing by to enjoy some punch they were offering, as well as joking and laughing together.

"We're two of the happiest girls in the school," Glowach said.

So from what reservoir did the girls draw to produce more than a dozen pieces of art about angst?

"Personal experience," Pickering said. "I was going through some tough times and this really helped."

"People we've met," said Glowach. "Some of the inspiration comes from substitute teachers we've had."

The art styles range from modern to realism, the girls mixing up the paintings to show different art styles.

"We have these brush strokes that are very defined," Glowach said.

The pieces took the girls more than four weeks to complete. Each produced works independently, but some of the pieces are collaborations.