Talented Students from Over 100 High Schools display their Work at the 16th Annual Smart Start Student Art Show April 20, 2012

Discover the artists of tomorrow at the 16th Annual Smart Start Student Art Show, sponsored by Sherway Gardens (Hwy 427 & the QEW) and featuring works of art from students from various high schools across Metro Toronto. The exhibit runs from Saturday, April 21 through Saturday, April 28 in Sherway Square with a special Symposium on Wednesday, April 25 at 6:00pm. For more information, call 416-621-1070 or visit www.sherwaygardens.ca or www.artsetobicoke.com.

Over 100 high school students from schools across the Greater Toronto Area participate in the annual Smart Start Student Art Show which showcases their drawings, mixed media, paintings, printmaking, sculpture and photography. Arts Etobicoke organizes the show with the support of the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board. The annual show is open to students from across Metro Toronto, giving students from grades 9 to 12 the opportunity to participate in a non-juried public exhibition.

The arts play a vital role in helping young people reach their full potential. The Arts Symposium Event on Wednesday, April 25 at 6:00pm gives students and teachers a chance to participate in a mini conference with critiques/workshops led by professional artists and discussion groups led by teen and professional artists. Following the conference, attendees and their parents are invited to a reception hosted by Arts Etobicoke.

During the show, visit the Smart Start Learning Centre area and observe and engage with art in new and different ways while learning about the creative process with the quick tips printed guide and participate in interactive activities including the People’s Choice Awards, a fun art appreciation exercise designed to give students positive feedback about their artwork. Open to students, teachers and the public.

New to the Learning Centre is a FREE Creativity Workshop for Seniors on Tuesday, April 24, 10am-11:30am in Sherway Square. Led by professional arts educator Angel Beyde, participants will engage directly with the students' art work to revamp their creative spark by drawing on paper, writing or reciting a short piece. No previous art experience is necessary.

Mercedes-Benz Financial Services continues to partner with the Student Art Show, providing support for the enhancements to the show as well as the support of the Mercedes-Benz Financial Services volunteer team.

Each participant will receive a package including a complimentary Arts Etobicoke membership, an exhibition catalogue and a gift from Woolfitt's Arts Enterprises. All participating schools will receive a scholarship to enrich arts education departments and programs, supported by the Kiwanis Club of Kingsway Humber.

2012 SMART START Student Art Show Participating Schools
Bishop Allen Academy – Etobicoke
Central Etobicoke High School – Etobicoke
Central Technical School – Toronto
Earl Haig Secondary School – North York
Eastdale Collegiate Institute – Toronto
Emery Collegiate Institute – North York
Etobicoke School of the Arts – Etobicoke
Lakeshore Collegiate Institute - Etobicoke
Leaside High School – Toronto
Martingrove Collegiate Institute – Etobicoke
Northview Heights Secondary School – North York
Notre Dame High School – North York
Parkdale Collegiate Institute – Parkdale
Rosedale Heights School of the Arts - Rosedale
Runnymede Collegiate Institute – York
St. Patrick's Secondary School – Toronto
Silverthorn Collegiate Institute – Etobicoke
Western Technical and Commercial School - Toronto
Weston Collegiate Institute – Toronto

Official Website: http://www.sherwaygardens.ca