It’s a rare 'out of country' experience.
Students from Monsignor Doyle Catholic Secondary School are thrilled to have their artwork on display at Mali Izlog, an art gallery in Virovitica, Croatia.
Saray Figueroa-Vargas, Isabella Medeiros, Heli Vazquez Rodriguez, Julia Resendes and graduate Cecily Di Danieli will have their works exhibited for the entire month of October.
The display is a collaboration between Monsignor Doyle art teacher Andriana Cipric and Virovitica architect Krunoslav Kovac, who also operates the Croatian gallery.
“I wrote a 670-page book on an artist in Croatia who is friends with Krunoslav Kovac. He decided to display the book about this artist and a few of his art pieces. I was in awe and thanked him so much for promoting the book, the artist and his work,” Cipric said.
“Krunoslav mentioned that he has a different exhibit on at the gallery every month, and said, ‘I have an idea. Why don’t we put some of your students’ artwork on display for this exhibit for one month?' And I thought what a wonderful idea.”
Cipric got to work, looked through her portfolio of artwork, and pulled out five precious pieces to be included.
“I wanted a mix of media, not all graphite or all paint. I wanted to include a variety,” she said.
“I also wanted to pull out work from students who really worked at it, have an excellent work ethic, and give 100 per cent.”
The five art pieces include still life’s, a self portrait and an art history-inspired piece.
“I sent them off at the end of September, and next thing you know, they were on display,” Cipric said.
“The wonderful thing is the town’s secondary school is just around the corner from the gallery, allowing students to view the exhibition.”
Gallery operator Krunoslav Kovac says there have been so many people that have walked by, especially students who have stopped by to see what Canadian art students are doing.
“And someone walked by wanting to purchase one of the artworks,” Cipric said.
Cipric, an art teacher for 22 years, and says she is grateful for the opportunity.
“It’s been such a wonderful experience. I’m so happy that Krunoslav suggested it and that we decided to do it together,” she said.
"The students are still shocked, I think. It’s still very fresh for them."
But, Cipric says, they just keep smiling and saying thank you.
“I honestly felt surprised when my teacher told me,” said Grade 10 student, Saray Figueroa-Vargas.
“It had never occurred to me that something I had created could be chosen for an opportunity as such.”
Grade 12 student, Heli Vazquez Rodriguez, is very thankful for the experience.
"I'm very excited that my artwork is being displayed in a different country. I'm hoping for others to like it and get inspired by it."
Cipric says she has received many words of support and thanks from the school community.
"I’ve had a few colleagues say that this is an incredible experience for the students. Another said that this has inspired them," she said.
"I think this is a very positive and excellent opportunity for students," Cipric said.
"I can imagine doing something like this again in the future, if the opportunity arises."
