Every year, the Musée Héritage Museum offers its walls to students so that they can show off their stuff. These young people from Grade 3 to Grade 12 pick up their cameras (or other handheld devices) and snap away, finding the best compositions, the best light, and the best subjects to fulfil their needs for an artistic outlet.
And every year, they never fail to blow us away with their talents.
“It’s just amazing! Every year, we’re totally amazed,” stated a clearly enthusiastic Joanne White, the museum’s curator.
She has excellent reason to be so thrilled with the new art exhibit on display. More than 60 entries were received between September and mid-October, all on the theme of Nature. This shows that Take Your Best Shot, the title of the annual exhibit, is gaining momentum.
“We’re thrilled with that. It’s growing. It always takes time for these things to build so we’re really pleased with the participation from everyone.”
Normally, subjects for each entry are restricted to the St. Albert area. This time around, however, the photographers were allowed to take pictures from anywhere, so long as they stuck to the general theme.
“We just found that the more scope we give them, the more creative they can be. It makes it more interesting for people to come in and see.”
Some entrants put in their pictures from family vacations in British Columbia, Oregon, Hawaii, and California. There’s a wonderful variety of fauna and flora plus some spectacular landscape shots.
“We’re always impressed with the quality of the work. It’s one exhibit that we all look forward to every year because we’re excited to see what they do. Everyone really enjoys it.”
Observant fans might even notice some of the same names popping up year after year. White noted that there are a few names on the wall that are having repeat exhibits. Take Your Best Shot first started in 2011, making this the fifth contest for city youths to participate in. One or two of this year’s exhibitors are making their last appearances as they’re both currently enrolled in their last year of high school.
Entries were divided into three groups: Grades 3 to 6, Grades 7 to 9, and Grades 10 to 12. A special exhibit in the Discover Room features a few fledgling photogs in Grade 2 and under.
The show received its soft opening last Friday just in time for the Snowflake Festival but will be having its official opening reception on Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. with the prize presentation at 4 p.m.
Take Your Best Shot runs at the museum until Sun., Jan. 24, 2016. For more information, call 780-459-1528 or visit www.museeheritage.ca.
