STUDENT ARTWORKS AT THE LEGISLATIVE BUILDING

Over 50 pieces of artwork from Saskatchewan students are being showcased in the sixth annual exhibit sponsored in partnership by the Saskatchewan Society for Education through Art (SSEA) and Saskatchewan Learning.

This art exhibit opened today at the Cumberland Gallery in the Legislative Building in celebration of May is Art Education Month. Each student received a congratulatory message from the Premier and a Certificate of Recognition from Saskatchewan Learning and the SSEA.

"These student artworks portray just a sampling of the excellent work being done with the provincial arts education curriculum," Learning Minister Deb Higgins said. "This event is not a competition, but rather a representative sampling of the wonderful talent and creative pieces produced by Saskatchewan's outstanding young artists."

"In Saskatchewan we believe that art education is essential to learning, not just an educational frill," SSEA Provincial President Kim Strange said. "The Minister of Learning's Art Collection pays tribute to this belief. Art is not an extra, but rather that which gives voice to the world around us in a way that words can never express. The SSEA is proud to congratulate each of the artists in this collection and equally proud to congratulate the art educators who helped to make these works a reality."

The SSEA approached all schools in the province to provide artwork to be selected for this collection. Students whose art is on display are from the following communities: Assiniboia, Blaine Lake, Davidson, Estevan, Frontier, Laird, LaRonge, Lashburn, Lloydminster, Nipawin, Outlook, Oxbow, Regina, Rosthern, Saskatoon, White City and Wynyard.

"There are many benefits for students involved with the arts," Higgins said. "Research indicates these students have higher grades, good attendance at school, higher self-esteem and are usually more actively involved in community and leadership activities."

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For More Information, Contact:

Jacquie McLean Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-5609 Cell: (306) 535-2261

Cameron Nicolle SSEA Email: 1-800-667-7732