UPDATE: Leominster High School students made a significant mark this weekend as their artwork was featured in the Sterling Arts Collaborative (SAC) fall exhibit held on November 8 & 9 at the 1835 Town Hall in downtown Sterling. This event marks a historic first for both the school and its art teachers, creating a wave of excitement in the local community.
The exhibit showcased not only the creativity of young artists but also featured works from their dedicated teachers, including Shelly Saben, head of the art department, and her colleague Linnea Romhanyi. Saben, who submitted her painting “Kids Boots,” expressed profound pride in her students’ achievements, stating, “The enthusiasm the students feel and the pride they have in their work is such a wonderful thing to experience.”
This milestone is particularly meaningful for Saben, as it is her first time exhibiting her art publicly. She emphasized the importance of this experience for her students, who had the rare opportunity to display their work alongside established adult artists. The participating students included juniors Lola Couture, Ivan Kaidalin, Huynh Tran, and seniors Sid Imbriani, Kenzie Moyen, Avin Ruiz, Erin Sargent, Natalie Smith, and Sophie Lopez from the Leominster Center for Technical Education Innovation (CTEi).
The exhibit featured a diverse range of artistic expressions, from photography to paintings, showcasing talents from elementary-aged children up to adults over 99 years old. The SAC shared on social media, “It was especially impressive to see the exhibiting artists who made themselves available to attendees to discuss their work and share thoughts.”
Saben highlighted the uniqueness of this event, stating, “All the other exhibitions and art competitions we submit work to are in the spring season.” She hopes to collaborate with SAC in the future to further engage students with the local art community.
The emotional connection was palpable as Saben hung her work next to a pastel drawing created by her mother. Reflecting on her journey as an artist, she noted that after dedicating 30 years to teaching and raising her family, she rediscovered her passion for art in her late 40s while pursuing a master’s program. “Exhibiting my work was something I hadn’t thought much about,” Saben said, crediting her mother for encouraging her to showcase her paintings.
The exhibit has left a lasting impact on the students, inspiring them to see art as a lifelong pursuit beyond the classroom. As excitement builds for future collaborations, the community is urged to follow the Sterling Arts Collaborative on social media to stay updated on upcoming events and initiatives.
This groundbreaking exhibit not only highlights the artistic talent within Leominster but also fosters a sense of community pride and inspiration. Be sure to share this uplifting news and celebrate the achievements of these young artists!
