Edge Youth Arts Show 2021

Dare to Dream , Pen and Ink, 6" x 9"
by Ruby McClellan-Thiesen • School: TDSB Virtual Secondary School

Self portrait with inspirational three-word quotes

The Backside & Bloom , Acrylic on canvas, 24" x 18 " x 2"
by Zoe Ellis • School: Martingrove C.I.

I wanted to reflect the beauty of the human form through shape, colour and texture.

Marilyn , Digital, 10" x 10"
by Yiling Xiao • School: TDSB VSS

The Hidden Creature , Pen and Ink, 11" x 14"
by Sofia Carrion Corveira • School: William Lyon Mackenzie C.I.

In my artwork, I like to include little hints of things that I love. Whether it be from a show, novel, or my personal life, it keeps me motivated and excited to finish the piece.

Meat , digital collage, 8" x 10"
by Paula Ruan • School: TDSB VSS

Kindess , Computer Design, 8" x 11"
by Samuel Andrews • School: Silverthorn Collegiate Institute

COVID-opoly , Digital, 12" x 12"
by Keston Nealon Sylvester • School: Weston C. I.

Self Reflection , collage, 8" x 10"
by Frederica Trenev • School: TDSB VSS

Dreams , collage, 8" x 10"
by Viktoriya Aylyarova • School: Silverthorn Collegiate

Darkness to Lightness , Acrylic Paint, 8" x 10"
by Marrianne Vera Pestado • School: Silverthorn Collegiate

Darkness into Light , watercolour on paper, 8" x 11"
by Yeshi Khando • School: Silverthorn Collegiate Institute

This is my art piece for the theme “Darkness into the Lightness”. The person is a human morphed into a spider, her transformation represents the feeling of your mental state worsening to the point where you become your own monster. I find that people don’t realize when they’ve become worse. The bottom part is her recovering from that state, as if she’s being reborn and blossoming. The vines and the rest of the nature surrounding her represents the positive energy growing within her. The crystals are meant to be rose quartz which promotes feelings of self-love. The mediums I used to create this piece was watercolour and markers as well, using light and darker colours to differentiate the lightness and darkness. Overall, my artwork is meant to show awareness to those who have become “monsters” without even realizing it.

COVID-opoly Project , Digital, 12" x 12"
by Gabriela Rodriguez • School: Weston C. I.

Reflecting Pond , Water colour paint, pencil & origami paper on canvas, 14" x 12"
by Christine Lee • School: Martingrove C.I.

My subject matter here is my sacred space, a lake filled with lily pads and lotus flowers where I can be alone and have no worries about interacting with anybody. Just thinking about the space calms me down as I breathe above and underwater. The lotus flower is a symbol of what I do in this pace where I go and refresh my brain. This piece shows a perfect balance of warm and cool colours to create a perfect, relaxing, calm, isolated place in my mind.

"Looking into the Future" , Tempera on Watercolour paper, 12" x 14"
by Andrew Paul • School: Martingrove Collegiate Institute

As I look into the sunset, I see a bright and promising future for all mankind. There will be challenges of course, but I will stand tall and confident like this giraffe. With a clear vision and elevated perspective, I can lead and protect others from danger.

Rihanna , Acrylic on Canvas, 20×16
by Aylin Khalid • School: Monsignor Percy Johnson CSS

Blue Lagoon , Acrylic on Canvas, 16×16
by Emily Delarosa • School: Monsignor Percy Johnson

The Cat , Acrylic on Canvas, 18×16
by Victoria Moya • School: Monsignor Percy Johnson CSS

The Night of Beauty and Silence , Acrylic on Canvas, 16×22
by Perry Tumanan • School: Monsignor Percy Johnson CSS

Untitled , Acrylic on Canvas, 24×20
by Holly Ofori-Nimako • School: Monsignor Percy Johnson CSS

A Fall From Grace , Acrylic on Canvas, 28×22
by Yousuf Minas • School: Monsignor Percy Johnson

Untitled , Acrylic on Canvas, 30×18
by Chelsea Pradenas • School: Monsignor Percy Johnson CSS

A Cold Snowy Day , Acrylic on Canvas, 28×22
by Cynthia Volanska Hutt • School: Monsignor Percy Johnson CSS

Latin Diversity , Acrylic on Canvas Board, 24×18
by Melissa Estevez-Jovel • School: Monsignor Percy Johnson CSS

4DEE , Acrylic on Canvas, 28×22
by Deanna Dell’Unto • School: Monsignor Percy Johnson CSS

Wolf , Acrylic on Canvas Paper, 16×20
by John Isho • School: Monsignor Percy Johnson CSS

Dave , Acrylic on Canvas Paper, 20×16
by Corinthe Eigen • School: Monsignor Percy Johnson CSS

Reach for the Top , Acrylic on Canvas, 30×22
by Kurt De Leon • School: Monsignor Percy Johnson CSS

Cryptic Smile , Acrylic on Canvas, 30×22
by Psalm Domingo • School: Monsignor Percy Johnson CSS

An Oasis through the Window , Acrylic on Canvas, 22×16
by Princess Corpuz • School: Monsignor Percy Johnson CSS

Untitled , Photoshop, ?
by Max Mancuso • School: Forest Hill C. I.

Solitude from friends and family , Pencil and black pen on paper, 5 x 8
by Thesha Kugathas • School: Agincourt Collegiate Institute

During this pandemic, the thing that I missed doing the most was being able to see my friends in person, to talk to them, and to ask them how they feel. Even if we have virtual meeting applications like Google Meet, FaceTime, Zoom and even social media, it’s not the same as seeing each other in person and giving hugs. My artwork shows how when I look at my friend in a google meeting, I see this invisible wall that is blocking me from being able to be with her and have fun with her.

Untitled , Black marker on cardstock, 11 x 8.5
by Huzaifa Syed • School: Agincourt Collegiate Institute

My aim while making this art piece was to make something interesting and abstract using lines. This piece of art reminds me of the image of shattered glass, with pieces of it scattered around, not really aligning with each other. It shows the simplicity of normal lines used to make something a bit different than your usual abstract line art.

Vanishing Ocean , Various plastic materials, soft pastels, silver fineliner pen, and dried-out fish fins on black bristol board, 11.8 x 30 x 20
by Melissa Yan • School: Agincourt Collegiate Institute

I have always been concerned about how our civilization has been treating our oceans, therefore I have created this piece that symbolizes and communicates the harsh reality of what is happening. This piece shows a jellyfish made of plastic materials on a black bristol board with a silver lining of ocean waves drawn on. It also includes soft pastel for extra colour and real dried out fish fins stuck on for extra detail.

Pandemic 2020-21 , Acrylic paint, newspaper, pen, and marker on a journal page, 12 x 9
by Merinda Yu • School: Agincourt Collegiate Institute

I felt many emotions during the pandemic and I felt that others experienced similar emotions as well. I used my artwork to express my emotions and I hope others will relate to them. The tired eyes show how each person feels and the mask demonstrates how the only way we can express ourselves is through our eyes.

Untitled , Acrylic paint on cardboard, 16 x 26
by Alaa Mitwaly • School: Agincourt Collegiate Institute

I thought of the concept from the phrase “you have no idea what somebody is going through on the inside”. My artwork aims to show the "demons" somebody might be carrying that are right beneath the surface. The redness, and the veins running through the eye, as well as the tear were extra details to communicate the pain and sadness my artwork was meant to show.

Libre , Black marker on cardstock, 11 x 8.5
by Angela Li • School: Agincourt Collegiate Institute

This art piece represents the feeling of happiness and freedom. The lines represent freedom because nothing is stopping them from flowing freely. The designs in the circles represent the happiness one feels.

Wonderland , Black fineliner pen on cardstock, 11 x 8.5
by Ashwah Aslam • School: Agincourt Collegiate Institute

My artwork represents the story of Alice In Wonderland. It is inspired by the extraordinary and magical wonder of fictional worlds. By using different types of lines, it communicates the importance of imagination and captures the wonder and fantastical feeling of wonderland.

Pousse , Black fineliner pen on cardstock, 11 x 8.5
by Matthew Ng • School: Agincourt Collegiate Institute

I find our natural environment incredibly intriguing. With my artwork I created a biodiverse-like flow with a variety of lines and patterns, each representing a different part of the natural world around us.

Facing the dark , Marker, aluminum foil, and rhinestones on paper, 10.6 x 8.6
by Naetri Niranjan • School: Agincourt Collegiate Institute

I chose to draw a person in a bird cage to represent them being trapped, not being able to do what they want or to have freedom. My art represents something we’ve all gone through, especially during this time: being trapped at home. The bird signifies the person’s mind, where the person and the bird are both facing the opposite direction to the opened path to happiness.

Surrealism Spaces , Digital Art, 8×10
by Zara Dinh • School: Central Toronto Academy

Melted , Digital Art , 8×10
by Charlie Campbell • School: Central Toronto Academy

Work During Covid , photograph, 8×10
by Jay Scott • School: silverthorn collegiate

Work During Covid , Computer, 8×10
by Jay Scott • School: silverthorn collegiate institute

Work During Quarantine , photograph, 8×10
by Jay Scott • School: Silverthorn Collegiate

Web of the Spheres , Pencil Crayons, 8×11
by Thiago Goncalves • School: Silverthorn Collegiate

The foreground contains four monorail tracks that lead to and from a large sphere in the center of the image. The midground contains 16 large concrete spheres held together with steel rods in a web pattern. The background contains large beams and posts arranged in a grid, and a hazy blue atmosphere that darkens with depth. This piece was intended to feel very large and spacious, as well as slightly ominous by the size of the structures in the midground and background and the seemingly endless sky. The design of the structures were inspired by Portal 2’s Enrichment Spheres.

Lavender Rain , Acrylic on Canvas, 18×20
by Faith MacQueen • School: Silverthorn Collegiate Institute

Loneliness , Photograph, 8×10
by Davora Williams • School: Silverthorn Collegiate Insititute

Quarantine. Wondering when it will all be over.

Overgrown Memory , Acrylic, 8×11
by Jacob Villanueva • School: Silverthorn Collegiate Institute

The piece relates to the indigenous history that we learned this year. The work emphasizes the importance of nature. It is about an abandoned residential school that is being overtaken or grown out by the nature around it. The piece seems peaceful and quiet, while also holding a tragic past.

Dr. McKovyd , Coloured pencils and markers on paper, 5.5 x 6
by Athena Nguyen • School: Agincourt Collegiate Institute

During this harsh year of the coronavirus, I feel like every day has been a struggle. Every day was a fight or a battle. Covid for me was a scary experience, and I felt that wherever I went, I saw green.

Self-Isolation , Plasticine, 4 x 2¾ x 1½
by Catherine Seaton • School: Agincourt Collegiate Institute

I am constantly hoping to find a way to present my emotions in a way that would be considered productive and/or moving. My sculpture piece hopes to correspond with the emotions that were mostly the same during the first lockdown of 2020. It represents that feeling of isolation and helplessness that became routine day after day.

Spirit of the Land (ARTcheology) , Resin, magazines and flowers, 12X12X2
by Jaebez Davis • School: lakeshore Collegiate Institute

Of both of light and dark, this spirit of the land is a guide for those looking for significance beyond direction. Like layers of sediment revealed in a dig, ARTcheology employs layers of clear resin for a 3D application toward representing the artists’ connection to the land during periods of physical distancing.

Still Life Diptych with Beaded Bracelet , Graphite and Coloured Pencil on Paper, 9" x 22"
by Ursula Drayton 9 • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute

After learning about Inuit pencil drawings of every day life, an object from home that had significant meaning was chosen and drawn realistically in both graphite and coloured pencils.

Social Justice Black Out Poem Zentangle , Ink, Paper on Illustration Board, 11" x 14"
by Clea Zanettos • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute

Exploration of the theme of anti-racism using a black out poem and Zentangle design.

Calving , Wood, Pencils, 3" x 2" x 7.5"
by Sterling Wilson • School: ESA

I am a contemporary artist and sculptor. My deconstructionist approach to art making, combines refined and unrefined materials in an attempt to contextualize and contain mankind’s tendency to disorder. Stripping materials of function, I create new forms which playfully analyze mankind’s relationship to entropy. My practice incorporates architectural elements in a futile quest for stability.

Anika , Watercolour on Paper, 12 x 12
by Amelia Bidini-Taylor • School: ESA

I create environments for learning, development and growth. Inspired by Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Nature, I appreciate simple attributes of life’s natural process to encourage myself and others to work towards creating a world in which we all want to live. Understanding the unique relationships between natural elements can act as a blueprint for humanity. The way elements within the natural world progress together is soothing and can inspire us to create meaningful human relationships with similar attributes. My paintings aim to follow a natural process in which they grow, change, communicate with each other, and yet are individual and singular like species.

Self Portrait , Oil on Canvas, 12 x 10
by Lisa Doan • School: ESA

I aspire to preserve the emotional relationships with those around me. Painting and illustration allow me to deconstruct what it means to belong to friendships and social groups, despite often seeing myself as an outcast. My loneliness has evolved to become the catalyst of my work and is focused on a need to understand one another emotionally, to value and trust others, to be valued and trusted in return, and to be forgiven for the past. Putting myself at risk through the choice of personal, sensitive subjects allows me to understand and solidify my relationship between people and within groups as a whole. Art-making allows me to observe how we grow collectively and individually and become individuals based on personal events and cultural shifts. These factors create a trending pattern foretelling what we may become unless we choose to change, becoming more meaningful than being defined by a single statement.

Safe Spaces (Abby) , Oil, acrylic, construction paper and graphite on wood, 48 x 36
by Catrina Pereira • School: ESA

My art is a consistent process. I create and recreate until the pieces feel honest, and it is rare that a piece will ever stay that way for long. I am constantly outgrowing work and regrowing into new work by pinpointing its protective barriers, and making my new art true. Most of my series are specific hurdles I want to overcome in order to feel like I have validity, and am able to take up space. I work through people close to me as it helps connect myself through means of others and helps solidify my experience. It also allows my space to be occupied by others. I create what I am scared of by including objectives that make me feel comfortable, in hopes that these boundaries will become less terrifying.

Untitled , Photoshop, ?
by Seth Kirsh • School: Forest Hill C. I.

untitled , Photoshop, 0 by 0 by 0
by Yolanda Ifepe • School: Forest Hill C. I.

Strange Demon , Digital Drawing, 24 x 24
by Sasha Nishihata • School: ESA

My art is a deconstruction of my feelings, put back together by associating them with people, imagery, thoughts, memories, and recently, dreams. The act of dreaming is possibly a combination of it all, people, images, thoughts and memories, which merges and distorts them into new shapes to appease my own idea of reality. The way that I think the world works, is in fact, not how the world works. However, through my dreams the things that I feel deeply are manifested into something true and become part of my reconstructed world.

Self Portrait , Oil on Canvas, 40 x 30
by Rowan White • School: ESA

Heritage , Oil on Canvas, 60 x 48
by Emma Goldstein • School: ESA

The Brutal Life-Cycle of Cameron’s Backyard (ARTcheology) , Resin, acrylic, plants, dirt and feather, 12X12X2
by Cameron Cornell • School: Lakeshore Collegiate Institute

Observing the natural changes that occur in his backyard over recent months, Cornell depicts the “gruesomeness and beauty in life-cycles”. In preserving natural fragments in resin, Cornell has captured a specific moment of environmental change and by means of composition and pattern, suggests an overarching sense of order. Like layers of sediment revealed in a dig, ARTcheology employs layers of clear resin for a 3D application toward representing the artists’ connection to the land during periods of physical distancing.

Marsha P. Johnson , Acrylic paint, 9" x 12"
by Jersey Stuart • School: Virtual Secondary School

Life to Mind (ARTcheology) , Resin, acrylic, plants, pills, trash (plastic and paper), 12X12X2
by Emily Chung • School: Lakeshore Collegiate Institute

Making connections between environmental pollution and mental health, Chung suggests that “things will just get worse, if we don’t work on them”. The bottom resin layer of plants represents health and purity while elements of pollution, death and corruption sink closer. Like layers of sediment revealed in a dig, ARTcheology employs layers of clear resin for a 3D application toward representing the artists’ connection to the land during periods of physical distancing.

Our Next Problem (ARTcheology) , Resin, acrylic, magazines, flowers, mask and marker, 12X12X2
by Leah Valdez • School: Lakeshore Collegiate Institute

Valdez shows how discarded medical masks and gloves create environmental problems. Including imagery of microscopic organisms refer to the parts of nature where this human impact is not noticed. Like layers of sediment revealed in a dig, ARTcheology employs layers of clear resin for a 3D application toward representing the artists’ connection to the land during periods of physical distancing.

Interior Design , Watercolour, Ink, 9" x 12"
by Jersey Stuart • School: Virtual Secondary School

Two-point perspective drawing of a living room.

Organ-ic Matters (ARTcheology) , Resin, acrylic, flowers and printed images, 12X12X2
by Ella Concannon • School: Lakeshore Collegiate Institute

As false organs seemingly grow into real flowers, Concannon portrays an imagined reality where the creature is both alive and dead. For Concannon, this sense of rebirth shows mind body and soul. “Mind and body become one as the flowers of the soul overtake the flesh to bloom and grow”. Like layers of sediment revealed in a dig, ARTcheology employs layers of clear resin for a 3D application toward representing the artists’ connection to the land during periods of physical distancing.

Sleeping Mingming , Photoshop, 15:" x 15"
by Jersey Stuart • School: Virtual Secondary School

Stuck (ARTcheology) , Resin, acrylic, plants, plastic, paper and glitter, 12X12X2
by Molly Farrell • School: Lakeshore Collegiate institute

During her Covid-19 quarantine period, Farrell spent time taking daily walks outdoors with her family, as represented by the night sky and colours. The path and bars represent “how we were always led back home, to isolation”. Like layers of sediment revealed in a dig, ARTcheology employs layers of clear resin for a 3D application toward representing the artists’ connection to the land during periods of physical distancing.

Untitled , Ink, 8.5" x 5.5"
by Jersey Stuart • School: Virtual Secondary School

Elevated Commodity (Burger and Fries) , Toilet Paper, 4X10X10
by Valeria Casanova • School: Lakeshore Collegiate Institute

During the period of Covid-19 physical distancing, perceptions of what constitutes an essential need is confused when toilet paper has become as valued as food. Made during virtual learning with materials found at home, Elevated Commodity employs toilet paper in recognition of its elevated status during times of Covid-19 hoarding.

Mimosa , Ink, 8.5" x 5,5"
by Jersey Stuart • School: Virtual Secondary School

Elevated Commodity (Wedding Dress) , Toilet paper rolls and dryer sheets, 6X3X3
by Tori Fisher-Sousa • School: Lakeshore Collegiate Institute

The Covid-19 physical distancing period has forced many to delay or adapt from having the wedding of their dreams. Made during virtual learning with materials found at home, Elevated Commodity employs toilet paper in recognition of its elevated status during times of Covid-19 hoarding.

Marsha P. Johnson , Acrylic paint, 9" x 12"
by Jersey Stuart • School: Virtual Secondary School

Elevated Commodity (Gun) , Toilet paper, toilet paper rolls and tempra paint, 5X7X2
by Michelle Widonski • School: Lakeshore Collegiate Institute

Made of toilet paper, this sculpture implies the innate dangers of the Covid- 19 virus and the desperation people may feel to secure perceived essential commodities like toilet paper. Made during virtual learning with materials found at home, Elevated Commodity employs toilet paper in recognition of its elevated status during times of Covid-19 hoarding.

Chicken Little , Photoshop, 11" x 10"
by Jersey Stuart • School: Virtual Secondary School

Main character from the animated movie called “Chicken Little”

Babae , Acrylic paint, Photoshop, 56" x 42"
by Jersey Stuart • School: Virtual Secondary School

Elevated Commodity (Binoculars) , Toilet paper rolls, sting and ink, 2X4X8
by Karissa Miller-Williams • School: Lakeshore Collegiate Institute

With non-essential travel limited during this period of Covid 19 physical distancing, making a bucket-list of places to visit, like Paris or Las Vegas, is important in order to stay positive. Made during virtual learning with materials found at home, Elevated Commodity employs toilet paper in recognition of its elevated status during times of Covid-19 hoarding.

To the Moon , Acrylic paint, 20" x 16"
by Jersey Stuart • School: Virtual Secondary School

This monochromatic painting is a re-creation of a childhood painting of mine. It illustrates my brother and I stepping together on the path that leads towards the moon – representing dreams.

Elevated Commodity (Lotus Flower) , Toilet paper rolls and straw, 10X10X12
by Hannah Bolwell • School: Lakeshore Collegiate Institure

The Lotus flower is regarded in many different cultures, especially in eastern religions, as a symbol of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth. Its characteristics are a perfect analogy for the human condition: even when its roots are in the dirtiest waters, the Lotus produces the most beautiful flower. Made during virtual learning with materials found at home, Elevated Commodity employs toilet paper in recognition of its elevated status during times of Covid-19 hoarding.

Flowers Blooming , Photoshop, 17.25" x 15"
by Jersey Stewart • School: Virtual Secondary School

Inspired by the fictional illness called HanaHaki Disease.

Elevated Commodity (Catbus) , Toilet paper rolls, construction paper, magazine images, wire and acrylic paint, 6X4X2
by Ellie Sloan • School: Lakeshore Collegiate Institute

This surreal catbus may act as a playful, imaginative means of safe travel during this Covid-19 pandemic. Made during virtual learning with materials found at home, Elevated Commodity employs toilet paper in recognition of its elevated status during times of Covid-19 hoarding.

Elevated Commodity (Pattern) , Toilet Paper rolls, acrylic, 20X18X2
by Eleni Macesic • School: Lakeshore Collegiate Institute

Spending more time in one’s bedroom, students may feel trapped and the need for a room refreshment. With many stores closed, rooms can still be decorated by creating them with items found elsewhere in the home. Made during virtual learning with materials found at home, Elevated Commodity employs toilet paper in recognition of its elevated status during times of Covid-19 hoarding.

Elevated Commodity (Sunfish) , Toilet paper rolls, acrylic, 3X3X1
by Diana Paley • School: Lakeshore Collegiate Institute

The ocean sunfish is one of the heaviest known bony fishes in the world and is known for moving around mainly by floating on ocean currents. This passive means displacement, despite opportunities to go virtually anywhere, may parallel our own during this period of physical distancing. Made during virtual learning with materials found at home, Elevated Commodity employs toilet paper in recognition of its elevated status during times of Covid-19 hoarding.

Elevated Commodity (Diploma) , Toilet paper rolls, paper, ribbon and mask, 15X8.5X2
by Andrew Christie • School: Lakeshore Collegiate Institute

Graduating high school is for many students a challenging accomplishment, made ever greater during this pandemic period of Covid-19. Made during virtual learning with materials found at home, Elevated Commodity employs toilet paper in recognition of its elevated status during times of Covid-19 hoarding.

Elevated Commodity (Dolls) , Toilet paper rolls, wire, yarn, cloth, buttons and string, 12X10X3
by Alison Brew • School: Lakeshore Collegiate Institute

Dolls are often used in imaginative play to travel beyond the walls of one’s bedroom, a location where youth must spend much of their time during Covid-19. Historically, store-bought dolls were too expensive for many families and so homemade dolls were common. With many toy stores closed during the pandemic, perhaps homemade dolls will become more common again. Made during virtual learning with materials found at home, Elevated Commodity employs toilet paper in recognition of its elevated status during times of Covid-19 hoarding.

Ice Cream , Water Soluble Oil, 20 x 16
by Marlowe Bertram • School: Northern Secondary School

Faces of Human Trafficking , Acrylic on Canvas, 20 x 16
by Emma Abray • School: Northern Secondary School

This piece was meant to raise awareness of what it’s like to live as a survivor of human trafficking. That trauma is highly personal and manifests differently in each victim and it’s important to recognize their individual struggles.

Yemen – Water Scarcity , Acrylic on Canvas, 20 x 16
by Alison Gilchrist • School: Northern Secondary School

In this piece, I wanted to capture the fear of the Yemeni population knowing that there won’t be enough water to go around. I focused this painting on Yemeni women, and the burden they have to face of not being able to provide enough water for their families.

Cindy Squeaker: Mad Scientist , Digital – Adobe Illustrator, 17 x 11
by Sarena Abramson • School: Northern Secondary School

Cindy Squeaker is a character development and comic piece, made completely digitally on Adobe Illustrator. These four frames reveal Cindy Squeaker’s transformation from housewife to mad scientist, in her attempt to rule the world.

Beneath , Graphite, 11 x 14
by Edie Attwood • School: Northern Secondary School

When we fall into water we transform our reality and surroundings. We find a surreal world full of unknown creatures, plant life and sensations. Similarly, the shift of life to death is sudden and we likely find ourselves in a completely unknown and confusing environment. This art piece was an exploration not of the afterlife, but the sensation of falling into it.

Introspection , Ink, 8 x 10
by Zach Daneman • School: Northern Secondary School

A study of the divide between reality and self perception.

Relationship to Land and Books , Mixed-media collage, 11" x 14"
by Clea Zanettos • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute

After learning about the Indigenous People of Canada's relationship to land, this is an interpretation of the artist's personal relationship to land using a map of Toronto and pages of a favourite book showing gratitude to the trees that made the pages of the book.

Still Life with Books , Graphite and Coloured Pencil on Paper, 9"x22"
by Clea Zanettos • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute

After learning about Inuit pencil drawings of everyday life, an object from home that had significant meaning was chosen and drawn realistically in both graphite and coloured pencils.

Self-Portrait , Digital Photography , 15"x15"
by Lillian Menghistab • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute

Using a mobile device and natural lighting, this portrait has captured the mood of isolation and solitude during the first wave of the pandemic.

Still LIfe with Violin, and Plants , Still LIfe with Violin, and Plants, 11"x17"
by Kaitrinna Miersch • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute

Interpreting the still life arrangement using mixed-media materials

Still LIfe with Glass Bottle, Wine Glasses and Graphics , Mixed-media collage, Mixed-media collage
by Yumna Faslus Sabir • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute

Interpreting the still life arrangement using mixed-media materials

Still LIfe with Trumpet, Candle, and Typography , Mixed-media collage, 11"x17"
by Frances Angela Maravilla • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute

Interpreting the still life arrangement using mixed-media materials

Don Mills Collegiate Institute , Mixed-media collage, 11"x17"
by Nila Hysenlikahj • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute

Interpreting the still life arrangement using mixed-media materials

Amabie , black muji pen, watercolour, acrylics, 25×18
by Stephanie Li • School: TDSB Virtual Secondary School

I based my artwork off of the Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock print style; the creature wears a serene expression as the angry sea below swirls dramatically. Where waves dare crash into her, they are white claw-like splashes that reach for the murky sky. A glowing moon oversees the whole scene, and a blotchy red stamp indicates the yokai’s name: AMABIE.

Sketchbook Study – Paper Ribbon , Graphite on paper, 9"x12"
by Shameer Munir • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute

Observational sketch using controlled lighting, photography, and value shading

Sketchbook Study – Paper Ribbon , Graphite on paper, 9"x12"
by Frances Angela Maravilla • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute

Observational sketch using controlled lighting, photography, and value shading

Pen & Ink Line Study , Black Pen on paper, 9"x12"
by Emily Stokes • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute

Observational drawing using line only

Pen & Ink Line Study , Black Pen on paper, 9"x12"
by Courtney Seto • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute

Observational drawing using line only

They Say , Coloured pencil, watercolour, 14×18
by Sophina Lee • School: TDSB Virtual Secondary School

“The message of my design is … society has many expectations for both men and women. For example, society expects men to be masculine, strong, and to not cry. And for women, they expect women to be gentle, pretty, and soft. Sometimes, what society may try to imply may not work for everyone. Maybe men want to cry and let out their feelings sometimes, and women may want to be just comfortable and not have to dress up to make themselves look good all the time. Sometimes it can be overwhelming because you don’t want to do what society says you should do, but you’re scared what will happen if you don’t. So that’s why I think that society should stop making these cages around men and women and let everyone be, look, or act however they want."

Pen & Ink Line Study , Black Pen on paper, 9"x12"
by Crystal Guo • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute

Observational drawing using line only

Lunch Bag Project – Still Life , Graphite on Stonehenge paper, 15"x22"
by Angela Maravilla • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute

This drawing was a social outreach project that brings attention to the increasing need for helping those who are depending on the food bank due to the pandemic. The paper bag represents access to the lunch meal, and food items used in the still life were student donations that were given to a food bank during the holiday season.

Anger , Digital Collage, 5×10
by Tanvika Thamilchelvan • School: TDSB Virtual Secondary School

"The theme of my collage is Anger, an emotion we cannot control easily. When someone is angry, they feel like throwing everyone into the lava. As people come to ask, "Are you okay?", then that makes you even more angry, you feel like doing something to get away from them."

Concept Art , Digital Illustration, 11"X17"
by Cally Leung • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute – CyberARTS Program

Imaginative characters in a scene

Concept Art , Digital Illustration, 11"X17"
by Matin Farhan • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute – CyberARTS Program

Imaginative characters in a scene

Concept Art , Watercolour on Watercolour Paper, 18"X24"
by Jessica Luan • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute – CyberARTS Program

Imaginative characters in a scene

Survival of the Figure , Mixed Media, 18"X24"
by Amita Joneja • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute – CyberARTS Program

Figure drawing in a personalized setting

Survival of the Figure , Mixed Media, 18"X24"
by Signy Stephenson • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute – CyberARTS Program

Figure drawing in a personalized setting

"Survival of the Figure" , Mixed Media, 18"X24"
by Jessica Luan • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute – CyberARTS Program

Figure drawing in a personalized setting

Home Sweet Home , Vector Illustration, 11"x17"
by Nicky Zhu • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute – CyberARTS Program

Illustration of the self at their home work station during the pandemic "stay at home" orders.

Home Sweet Home , Vector Illustration, 11"x17"
by Isabelle Shi • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute – CyberARTS Program

Illustration of the self at their home work station during the pandemic "stay at home" orders.

Three’s a crowd , Acrylic on Canvas, 8"X10"
by Tina Huang • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute – CyberARTS Program

A study of minimalism and colour theory.

Three’s a crowd , Acrylic on Canvas, 8"X10"
by Ane Klopper • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute – CyberARTS Program

A study of minimalism and colour theory

TTC Trolls , Markers on Stonehenge paper, Markers on Stonehenge paper
by Ane Klopper • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute – CyberARTS Program

An imaginative interpretation of a TTC journey.

Art Supplies – Still Life , Graphite on paper, 9"x12"
by Noa Shiohara • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute – CyberARTS Program

Observational drawing of art supplies using pencil grades, and shading techniques.

Still Life – Art Supplies , Graphite on paper, 9"x12"
by Kokomi Kita • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute – CyberARTS Program

Observational drawing of art supplies using pencil grades, and shading techniques.

Lunch Bag Project – Still Life , Graphite on Stonehenge paper, 15"x22"
by Katia Zhang • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute – CyberARTS Program

This drawing was a social outreach project that brings attention to the increasing need for helping those who are depending on the food bank due to the pandemic. The paper bag represents access to the lunch meal, and food items used in the still life were student donations that were given to a food bank during the holiday season.

Lunch Bag Project – Still Life , Graphite on Stonehenge paper, 15"x22"
by Karen Zhang • School: Don Mills Collegiate Institute

This drawing was a social outreach project that brings attention to the increasing need for helping those who are depending on the food bank due to the pandemic. The paper bag represents access to the lunch meal, and food items used in the still life were student donations that were given to a food bank during the holiday season.

Bandit the Corn Snake , Photography, 48 x 72
by Jasper Young • School: Northern Secondary School

This is a photo of my pet corn snake, Bandit. I wanted to capture an up-close and intimate view of Bandit. I chose the black background to focus the viewer’s attention on the natural beauty and detail of the snake while reducing distractions. My work was inspired by the photographer Joel Sartore.

Serenity on Ice , Acrylic on Canvas, 12 x 9
by Sisi-Reyna Lee • School: Northern Secondary School

This painting is based off of a scenic location my friend and I want to travel to sometime in the future after a milestone in our lives, so to me, this painting represents goals, dreams, and an escape from reality. Coincidentally, the process of this painting matched what it was based off of; with milestones, there’s always a journey with its ups and downs before you reach the milestone and during the process of painting, I went through many emotions ranging from frustration to inspired and happy. Like reaching a milestone, this painting was rewarding after the good and bad.

Spirit Turtle , Ink on Paper, 14 x 18
by Isabella De Sousa • School: Northern Secondary School

As a student artist, my body of work is an exercise in diversity and experimentation with different styles, techniques, and content. This artwork represents my spirit animal, the turtle, decorated in zentangle designs and created in ink. The turtle symbolizes perseverance, it teaches us to stay true to our path, and take time to enjoy life’s journey.

Eat the Rich , Mixed medium, 4 x 12 x 12
by Alex Paraskevopoulos • School: Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts

I took inspiration for this piece from the recent gaps in finances throughout the Covid pandemic. While the majority of the population faced great losses, others became insanely rich. Amazon owner Jeff Bezos is a prime example of this, which is why he is the target and main focus of my piece. The phrase, “Eat the Rich,” dates back to the 16th century; more specifically, the French Revolution.

Deep In The Forest , Ceramics, 5 X 4 X 4"
by Ellena Talebi • School: Northern Secondary School

The intention of this ceramic piece was to create a box with an earth theme. I used earth tones such as green and brown to represent a brown wooden log and a green leaf. The box has a lot of texture, which was carved using a sgraffito tool and the textured lines allowed glaze to seep into them, creating an illusion of a dark brown shadow inside the cracks.

Melting Eyes , Acrylic Paint, 20×16
by Alessia Sciardi • School: Richview Collegiate Institute

The Comfort Shed , Pencil crayon, cardboard, cotton, cotton balls, marker, wood string, dryer sheets, liquid white out, & glue, 33.6 cm h x 46 cm l
by Asli Nacakli • School: Martingrove CI

This place is a shed in my backyard that I often go to rest. The reason is because I can completely forget about everything, sit down, and relax which gives me a sense of tranquility whenever I enter it. In my shed I like to light candles and turn on the fairy lights to relieve any stress or frustration that I’m experiencing. When it’s snowing outside, I feel at absolute ease and the single flakes of snow are always astonishing to look at and appreciate.

Me Gazing at You , Acrylic on canvas, 16" x 14"
by Riley Drummond • School: Martingrove C.I.

This artwork is a self portrait. Are you watching me or am I watching you?

My Imaginary Sacred Place , Mixed media including: paper, acrylic paint, tempera paint, paper towel, marker, pencil crayons, tissue paper, 8.5” × 11”
by Keara Bright • School: Martingrove C.I.

To me a sacred place is where I get a chance to take my time to relax. In this bright imaginary space, all I have to do is breathe. As I close my eyes, I feel a light, calming breeze running through my hair and I can just take in how relaxing it is. It is chaos-free giving a warm feeling making me want to be there right now.

Wingspan , Earthenware clay & glaze with handmade wax candle, 6" h x 7" l x 11w
by Flint Longman • School: Martingrove C.I.

This small scale functional sculpture represents me as an eagle able to soar to great heights. The warm colour scheme invites the viewer to look at it from all angles.

Octopus Vessel , Earthenware clay & glaze, 6cm x 17cm (with handles) (10cm width without handles) x 5cm (height, width and depth)
by Diane Kimeava • School: Martingrove C.I.

This sculptural vessel is an image of a stylized octopus that is meant to hold small plants and flowers. The octopus represents me because I have such varied interests and I always seem to have my hands (tentacles) moving in so many directions at once.

Fall Leaf , Ink on metal foil, 7" x 7"
by Nicholas Tsoporis • School: Martingrove C.I.

The subject matter of this foil embossing is a maple leaf. The maple leaf is also a symbol of being Canadian which is very important to me. I think that the burnished patina on the foil really helps to illuminate the finely pressed details of the leaf.

Starry Gaze: An Imaginary Place , Acrylic paint ,watercolor, Copic marker & clay, Canvas: 30 cm h x 20cm l, Main clay piece: 10cm h x 9.2cm l x 8.5cm w
by Rawan Morgan • School: Martingrove

I have chosen to depict was a starry sky while sitting on the mountain tops. The scene depicted is from my imagination, but it is a place that I wish to go in the future as it gives me a sense of comfort. This place is sacred to me because the sky and space in general have always piqued my interest. Once I had vivid dream about it when I was younger. When I picture myself in this place, I would want to listen to music, lay on my bed with my eyes closed and drink a warm beverage. I added the symbols of a shooting star in the sky and pillows on the hill where the figure is resting because I really wanted it to give a sense of tranquility and peace to the overall installation.

Shopping Cart Price , Embroidery hoop, embroidery floss on cotton fabric, 8“ in diameter
by Mia Buono • School: Martingrove C.I.

My cross-stitch aims to capture my thoughts on the role that the media plays in our understanding of ethics. Due to online access to information, we are more informed about world events instantaneously even though our privacy is consistently breached. We can quickly hold others accountable for their actions but when we receive information and its subsequent analysis, a transformation from the actual situation being reported occurs due to the inherent media bias. The story’s details often become skewed and the message alters. Inequitable situations reported often persist when the media chooses to focus on specific details of a story depending on the marketability or society’s appetite for an issue.

Ableism DISABILITY (Note that DIS should be crossed out but this form removes formatting) , Melted wax, acrylic paint, gesso on canvas, 23.6cm h x 19.7cm l
by Nora Tunggadevi • School: Martingrove C.I.

Being in a wheelchair, ableism is a significant issue that I experience daily. Ever since I was young, I have had many people disbelieving in what I could achieve. This art piece illustrates the idea that even though someone might have a disability, it should not be a limitation for what they can accomplish. They can attain their dreams. This artwork also demonstrates that just because I use a wheelchair and have a disability, it does not stop me from doing greater things in my life. The figures and the colours of the rainbow in the painting represent inclusivity both within the disabled community and outside of it.

Out on the Town , Mixed media including pen & ink on paper with collaged magazine images , 12“h x 14"l
by Maya Sommer • School: Martingrove CI

Often garments act as a second skin to reflect aspects of our personalities to others in the world around us. These fashionable designs are inspired by the fascinating creatures that live in the depths of our oceans.

Fresh Air , Digital photograph, 10” h x 8" l
by Laura Nguyen • School: Martingrove

This digital photograph "Fresh Air" shows how I see the world. It is about the shadow I cast on the ground when I am seeking fresh air outside after wearing a mask inside at school for several hours. I feel refreshed when I can finally breathe.

Monkey Plant Holder in Action , Earthenware & glaze , 6" l x 2"w x 7"h
by Prithul Biswas-Mandal • School: Martingrove CI

My sculptural vessel is a plant holder that depicts a monkey with succulent plants growing out of his back. To me, this artwork is my best because it has a useful purpose and depicts my favorite animal, a monkey in a strange way. I photographed the sculpture in my kitchen because it has become part of my daily environment.

Aerial Hoop , Embroidery floss on fabric, 10” x 9”
by Gillian Nestor • School: Martingrove CI

My inspiration for this drawing with thread came from my favorite hobby, which is executing routines in an aerial hoop. I may seem like a somewhat shy person, but I actually really love to perform and so I tried to illustrate the feeling of freedom and the emotional expression that comes with performing. I believe that everyone has something different that they do that makes them feel like this, and so I think that a lot of people will be able to connect to this piece.

Cold Winds, Rising Tides, A Goodbye in Her Golden Eyes , Ink Pen and Pencil on Paper, 12 x 10
by Caleb Bean • School: Inglenook Community High School

I made the piece to be a reflection of the mind in its purest and rawest form. What we fear, what angers us, and what hurts us most lies within unreadable databases, tucked away in the subconscious. When times are tough, it can be impossible to differentiate subconscious reality from reality, forcing us to dance with the senseless and abstract things hidden behind our eyes.

The Well Dweller , Watercolour Painting, 15 x 10
by Syrus Ognibene • School: Inglenook Community High School

Loneliness and isolation are depicted in a whimsical fantasy. Underground life is nearby, but just out of reach. When feeling trapped, as the aquatic being does in this painting, it’s difficult to appreciate the clear sky above. The artist’s passion for gardening is out of season during the winter, so painting the growing vegetables enabled them to reminisce about better things to come.

Six Year Old Me , Watercolour and Ink , 32 x 24
by Teia Brown • School: Inglenook Community High School

Myself and my childhood have always been very blurry to me. As my dad was training me for a job I drew a blind contour of a photo across the room. I am 6 year old.

Cold Winds, Rising Tides, A Goodbye in Her Golden Eyes , ink pen and pencil drawing, 12 x 10
by Caleb Bean • School: Inglenook Community High School

I made the piece to be a reflection of the mind in its purest and rawest form. What we fear, what angers us, and what hurts us most lies within unreadable databases, tucked away in the subconscious. When times are tough, it can be impossible to differentiate subconscious reality from reality, forcing us to dance with the senseless and abstract things hidden behind our eyes.

Cared For Them , Mixed Media, 12 x 11
by Kiera Lemire • School: Inglenook Community High School

Mom , Archival Pigment Print, 16 x 20
by Billy Pitts-Clark • School: Inglenook Community High School

This piece is about my perspective around my mother’s reality and how generational illness has affected our lives.

Plantasia , Archival Pigment Print, 24 x 24
by Ana Andrade • School: Inglenook Community High School

This digital collage represents the importance of self care in our lives.

New Normal , Archival Pigment Print, 32 x 38
by Waylon Smith • School: Inglenook Community High School

This imagined place includes people in a vortex where they do not want to be. It is dizzying and unsettling and is ironically also a place that they have unknowingly created for themselves.

Walled In , Mixed Media, 12 x 13
by Caroline Brown • School: Inglenook Community High School

Mother Nature Appeared to Me , Digitized Drawing and Painting, 24 x 18
by Ryan Kendrick • School: Inglenook Community High School

Mother Nature appeared to me in the sky. She waved, turned into a fish, then said, “goodbye”. Oh Mother, watch me turn the sea into the kindest ears, with the softest words. Hear the seastar, jellyfish, and salmon speak of love and grace.

‘her’ , watercolour painting, 20 x 24
by Kate Rinfret • School: Inglenook Community High School

“growing up is complicated”

Help Yourself , Archival Pigment Print, 10 x 8
by Will Trojanowski • School: Inglenook Community High School

In The Tall Grass , acrylic on canvas, 20 x 27
by Tehlia Orhue • School: Inglenook Community High School

I want to show that black is beautiful, black is ethereal. Black exists on so many more levels than what society shows us. This painting could be a runaway slave, a regal madam on her property, or a young girl frolicking in the grass. That is all up to you.

Corpse Of , Pencil Drawing, 16 x 29
by Jesse River • School: Inglenook Community High School

I want to let the viewer look, reflect and then feel their own response to my work.

Heather , Acrylic on Canvas, 20 x 16
by Estella Kent-Pym • School: ESA

In 2019, after years of crucifying myself for turning my own direction artistically, I was able to untie and release myself and create with passion. A crooked Utopia came to life like Frankenstein’s monster. My works reflect an inner perpetua infernum, a world filled with fabulous hyperactivity, fear, fun and zombified limbs, to create a place of acceptance and idolization of the misunderstood.

Riding the Streetcar , Conte and Charcoal on Manilla Paper, 37×37
by Tanner Brooks • School: Inglenook Community High School

This drawing represents how for me, street cars are very visually overwhelming and their movement compounds with this and leaves me feeling disoriented.

It’s in the Eyes , graphite, 10
by Zandry Torma • School: TDSB VSS

Sunflower , watercolour, 10
by Tashfia Afreen Rahman • School: TDSB VSS

Sheer , graphite, 10
by Evan Michaels-Walker • School: TDSB VSS

The Colour of my Identity , pastel, 10
by Naisha Khan • School: VSS

Yes, I am Canadian. , ink on illustration board, 15 x 20
by Elaine Zeng • School: Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts

True North Strong and Free , ink on illustration board, 15 x 20
by Seoyun Lee • School: Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts

We’re So Canadian. , Ink on illustration board, 15 x 20
by Siobhan Lam • School: Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts

Oh Canada! , ink on illustration board, 15 x 20
by Terri Lee • School: Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts

Metamorphosis , coloured pencils, acrylic paint, alcohol-based markers, paint markers, and chalk pastel., 16 x 20
by Kristina Hirnyak • School: Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts

The idea of this piece originates from the turning point I experienced which helped me break free from harmful personal habits and other influences. I looked to cicadas as the main inspiration for this work, for I found that they best fit the subject of change, both conceptually and visually.

Hardwiring , Acrylic Paint on canvas, 16 x 20
by Kristina Hirnyak • School: Cardinal Carter

I was inspired by the internal/mental conflict I had with myself whenever I was in the process of creating artwork. In the past, I constantly felt like I needed to do things a certain way or appeal to online trends, so my thinking became rigid and I had to make an effort to break free from that mindset. Therefore, the two characters featured in this piece are personifications of the sides in the conflict that took place in my mind.

Haphe , Oil on Canvas, 36"x48"
by Calla Soderholm • School: ESA

Individualism, collectivism, self-worth, and intimacy are some of the intertwining aspects that drive my work. Humans rely on patterns of inconsistency that bring new life and meaning to the world we share. My work grasps the profound importance that our togetherness holds.

Self Portrait , Oil on Canvas, 40 x 30
by Hana El-Sharabasy • School: ESA

My work in fashion design allows me to explore how people present themselves and the ways fashion impacts socialization. I attempt to dismantle societal standards impacting women of colour by highlighting aspects of my body deemed socially unacceptable. I address boundaries within women’s fashion by reinforcing individuality in order to rewrite the expectations others have scripted for me. My work repairs my relationship with my body by emphasizing insecurities in a beautiful way. I have learned to love those parts of my body that societal pressures have taught me to hide. Because of this, the relationship I hold with my work is remarkably influential in how I approach loving myself and others in our entirety.

A Fox’s Journey 2 , Digital Drawing, 14 x 20
by Kate Snider • School: ESA

I like making stories in my work. All my life, stories have been the only kind of art I’ve found remotely satisfying. A painting is done the second you complete the final brush stroke, but a story can evolve. It will change as it goes on, growing and transforming, it never really has to end. I have always had challenges properly connecting with other people due to my autism and other struggles, so I have been pretty lonely most of my life. By making my characters and their worlds, I want to try to find a way to understand other people and be understood. My work is used as a means of displaying my views of the world in an attempt to find some sort of common ground, so maybe someone else who has difficulty connecting won’t be so lonely.

New Years 2019 , Oil on canvas, 40"x40"
by Sadie Withers • School: ESA

My artwork is an extension of the present that I carry with me into the future. During the last four years, my work has shifted from the want to create to the need to document and remember. I use my art as a reminder of the things that I am grateful for, and the parts of myself that need healing.

Rick and Morty , Batik, 24×30
by Patrick Carstens • School: Maplewood High School

Lonely Nights , Bass Wood, 52" x 61" x 52"
by Andrew Conway • School: ESA

I first approached art with the idea that every piece of my work was to be created with my individual perspective of the world in mind. That everything I understand in that moment is put into each and every work. But I noticed that my perspective changed between series, pieces, and moments. The world changed size and shape and I understood it in the context of these moments. I wanted to incorporate this plasticity within my work and I began documenting anything associated with these malleable worldviews. It was comforting in that they were forgiving, nostalgic, and transient. They also lessened the impact of the loneliness created by the impermanence in my life. Their connection to past seemed to be something that could only help the loneliness.

Throw Up , Wax and Acrylic on Paper, 20 x 16
by Abby Brock • School: ESA

My work collects personal moments of catharsis. I express repressed emotions unique to the feminine experience in ways that are impossible through verbal communication. My depictions of women in various materials capture feelings, moments, and states of being, that both articulate my identity, and collective truths relating to feminine experience. My work functions as a tool that allows me to better understand myself both emotionally and intellectually. I clarify my experiences surrounding mental illness by expressing the nuances of trauma, eliciting understanding and connections with others.

A Child in Emperor’s Clothes , Mixed Medium, 10 x 12 x 5
by Alice Calineac • School: Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts

In, “The Child in Emperor’s Clothes,” the heart can be taken out and placed on the sleeve to reveal the spinal cord giving the work an additional meaning. The little details on the tools along with the designs painted on the sleeves invite the viewer to interpret the work further and ask: what tools will I find in myself if I were to look inside?

Distant Farms , Oil on Canvas, 30 x 40
by Miguel Caba • School: ESA

I confront time and loss by painting objects to reflect my fear of impermanence. I empathize with my subject’s existence through time. They leave impressions on everything around them before and after they are gone. In their nuance I find that they are some of the most honest things I know, accepting what time does to them as the people around them live their lives.

Severe Setback , Graphite and Charcoal pencil on illustration board, 15 x 20
by Bowen Zheng • School: Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts

It is the aftermath of the student, overcome by distractions, and thus, experiencing academic failure. It shows the student in distress and feeling distraught by the overwhelming problems he must face. The drawing depicts the scene inside the bedroom of a struggling student, along with all the things you would find in it.

A Child in Emperor’s Clothes , Mixed medium, 10 x 12 x 5
by Alice Calineac • School: Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts

Unicorn , Batik, 22×28
by Thinosan Raveendrathevan • School: Maplewood High School

Tiger , Batik, 26×25
by Jonathan Rogers • School: Maplewood High School

Frog , Batik, 26×26
by Ahmed Hussein • School: Maplewood High School

Dragon , Batik, 27×28
by Mia Medwid • School: Maplewood High School

Beaver , Acrylic on Canvas, 16×12
by Aurnob Faruque • School: Maplewood High School

Cow , Batik, 28×22
by James Chen • School: Maplewood High School

Blue , Batik, 26×24
by Ali Al-Sahlany • School: Maplewood High School

the lovers , Watercolour, ink, acrylic paint, 30 by 22
by Dylan Paige Schott • School: Forest HIll C. I.

Reflection , Watercolour, 30 by 22
by Paula Boca • School: Forest Hill C. I.

I am passionate about drawing and painting interesting faces. In my art I like to capture the beauty of certain features while also bringing forth a sense of sorrow and sadness.

Beads in a Jar , Conte, pastel, watercolour, coloured pencil, 30 by 22
by Marta Dorschner • School: Forest Hill C. I.

"You Gave Me The Best Of Me" , Conte, Pastels, Pencil Crayon, Acrylic paint, 30 by 22
by Ashley Rose Ragandac • School: Forest Hill C. I.

I feel today many individuals including myself struggle to overcome heartbreak. So I decided to create this piece using multiple mediums to represent my reason of healing and that you need to love yourself before you love others.

Untitled , Conte, Pastels, 22 by 30
by Abby Dwosh • School: Forest Hill C. I.

Frank Ocean , Conte, Pastel, 30 by 22
by Ava McAdam-Beder • School: Forest Hill C. I.

Frank Ocean touches many lives in a beautiful way through his poetic music, and I felt inspired to create a portrait capturing his essence.

Nova , Conte, Pastel, 30 by 22
by Tessa Mierczuk • School: Forest Hill C. I.

Entropy , Conte, Pastels, charcoal, 30 by 22
by Sophie Gold • School: Forest Hill C. I.

Koi Fish , Ink on Paper, 9 x 12
by Denise Villanueva • School: Winston Churchill CI

"Welcome" , Pencil Crayon on Paper, 12in x 10in
by Miranda McDonald • School: Winston Churchill CI

"Hello" , Pencil Crayon on Paper, 12 in x 10in
by Nathaniel Rico • School: Winston Churchill CI

Spirit Wolf , Ink on Paper, 29.5 cm x 22.5 cm
by Krishalini Prabakaran • School: Winston Churchill CI

Personal Medicine Pouch , Oil Pastel on Fabric, 12in by 10in
by Nathaniel Rico • School: Winston Churchill CI

Inspired by medicine pouched created by Anishinaabe people, I drew two images that have personal significance to me on a fabric bag.

Do You Even Know? , Mixed Media, 22.5 in × 28.5 in
by Maihan Sadat • School: Winston Churchill CI

In the past few years, there have been seeing numerous reports/news about China’s “Re-Education centers” targeting Xinjiang, a territory with ethnic minorities Including Uighurs. These Re-education camps, later on, got exposed as a concentration camp where Minority Uighurs and Kazakhs were detained because of fear of terrorism and separatism. Though enough people know about this and it is receiving attention, but not enough has been done, and the general public does not have too much knowledge about it.

Time to Unite , Mixed Media, 22.5 in × 28.5 in
by Jaylon London • School: Winston Churchill CI

This year alone we have had several incidents against black people, they have caused a lot of unease within the community. I am not saying that the brutality is only against black people as brutality from police has happened to people of all races. In my work of art, I chose to do a collage showing both negative and positive pictures of police interactions with the public. To get my point across about the need to change, I drew a handshake and incorporated the words time to unite. The one arm represented the police and the other a black person.

attention of the stabbing eye, 25inches x 15inches , Mixed medium, 25 x 15
by Trisha Valdez • School: Lawrence Park CI

Dinner time , Pencil crayon, 8×10
by Luna Qeleshi • School: Lawrence Park CI

In class we create sketchbook assignments based on student generated prompts. This piece was based on weirdly proportioned objects (big things small, small things big.)

D is for dancer , watercolour, 9×12
by Lubna Mahmoud • School: Lawrence Park CI

D is for dancer with a ‘d’ shaped bow in her hair

H is for horro , watercolour and fine liner, 8×10
by Liam Rowe • School: Lawrence Park CI

H is for horror. Find the H’s in this terrifying scene.

A is for acrobat , watercolour, 8×10
by Lauren Miller • School: Lawrence Park CI

Exploring incorporating a letter somewhere into the art. Look closely.

Monster mash , watercolour, 9×12
by Evelyn Clay • School: Lawrence Park CI

Exploration of colour mixing, using texture. Playing with monsters.

Boris, Kenneth and Lenny , watercolour, 9×12
by Emily Goldman • School: Lawrence Park CI

Exploration of colour mixing, using texture. Playing with monsters.

Untitled – clay pod , clay, 5x 8
by Emily Moon • School: Lawrence Park CI

The clay pod assignment focuses on texture and taking a pod shape and making it abstract and unexpected.

Psychodelic cards , Digital art, 9×12
by Eva Kapridov • School: Lawrence Park CI

I chose the 1960s psychedelic style to interpret our assignment to redesign playing cards under one theme. Using digital art as my medium allowed me to use colours that pop.

Outer space card design , Digital art, 9×12
by Mei Salter • School: Lawrence park CI

Reimagining card design and using non-traditional placement of suits but making sure it’s clear who’s king. I choose to do an Space theme and I opted to use digital art as my medium to get the glowing effects to match the theme.

Afterhours , Digital art, 8×10
by Trisha Valdez • School: Lawrence Park CI

The Manananggal is a feared creature of the Philippines, usually seen as a woman who will and can kill you when your guard is down. The Gumiho is a 1,000 year old fox who can use their ability to shape shift themselves and inanimate objects, they are often portrayed as a woman with sly and malicious intentions. Because of this, they are both seen as outcasts. I wanted to show their chemistry together using soft/bright colours to narrate their ‘femininity’. In most fairy tales, these creatures are seen as soul-less beings who are filled with hatred, and them being a woman causes the townsfolk to see them as mistresses and women who will bring death upon them. Together, they prove the townsfolk right.

Misunderstanding , Watercolour, 9×12
by Andrew Cull • School: Lawrence Park CI

An encounter between an Egyptian huntress and noble princes transformed into swans by a witch in a European fairy tale.

dude please stop chasing me please and thanks , Digital art, 8×10
by Eva Kapridov • School: Lawrence Park CI

Fairytale mash-up with a Gothic post apocalyptic flare

Pieces of my identity , pencil, 12 x 9
by Maha Amir • School: Emery C.I.

The objects in my drawing define me and represent my identity. Each thing holds a personal affection and highlights facts to know me better.

Digital Art , Digital, 8.5 x 11"
by Pavina Balakumar • School: Weston C. I.

Digital Art , Digital, 8.5 x 11"
by Tigist Solomon • School: Weston C. I.

Digital Art , Digital, 8.5 x 11"
by Pavina Balakumar • School: Weston C. I.

Digital Art , Digital, 8.5 x 11"
by Firoale Hussein • School: Weston C. I.

Digital Art , Digital, 8.5 x 11"
by Angela Aroyo • School: Weston C. I.

COVID-opoly Project , Digital, 6 x 12"
by Johnson Le • School: Weston C. I.

COVID-opoly Project , Paint and markers on paper, 18 x 18"
by Tiara Smith • School: Weston C. I.

The Dreamkeepers , Digital Collage, 10×17
by Clara Dominique Rosali • School: TDSB Virtual Secondary School

"My theme is fantasy and dreams, what I imagine dreaming to physically look like, with your thoughts up in the clouds. The clocks with eyes on them represent the "Dreamkeepers" sight and how it watches you, and the clocks represent how time is infinite in the dream world, it only ends when you choose to wake up."

Masked Self Portrait , Multimedia on paper, 18 x 24"
by Gabriela Rodriguez • School: Weston C. I.

Masked Self Portrait , Multimedia on paper, 18 x 24"
by Johnson Le • School: Weston C. I.

COVID-opoly Project , Digital, 12 x 12 inches
by Eron Idrizi • School: Weston C. I.

Masked Self Portrait , Multimedia on paper, 18 x 24 inches
by Kiendra Lewis Purcell • School: Weston C. I.

Untitled Animation , Digital 2-D Animation, 20 sec
by Yihan Luo • School: Virtual School

Mountain , Found Object Sculpture, 60x36x24
by Sophie Ramanah • School: Virtual School

The bottom of the mountain is colourful and represents nature/the environment. The avalanche represents the impact waste has on the environment. The further it goes, the more it damages the environment, similar to the way the waste we produce piles up as its effects continue to increase.

Fruit , Acrylic, 18×24
by Julie Sheppard • School: Virtual School

Still Life in Art (collage) , Mixed Media Collage,
by Yasmine George • School: TDSB Virtual School

Our world has been shut down and taken over by this pandemic, it's no doubt that it has affected us all. We have been submerged into this new way of living, and I wanted to emulate that through my piece where I drew items that seem to have taken over our lives for the past couple of months.

Still Life in Art (drawing) , Pencil,
by Yasmine George • School: TDSB Virtual School

Our world has been shut down and taken over by this pandemic, it's no doubt that it has affected us all. We have been submerged into this new way of living, and I wanted to emulate that through my piece where I drew items that seem to have taken over our lives for the past couple of months.

Still Life in Art , Acrylic Paint, 9" x 12"
by Sophia Moriera Mobrici • School: TDSB Virtual School

This painting displays antique-looking items in a gloomy place. The grapefruits contrast with these old items with their ripeness, showing old and new.

An Asian Still Life , Mixed Media (Acrylic Paint and Pen), 9" x 12"
by Sara Lam • School: TDSB Virtual School

Drawing inspiration from Roy Lichtenstein's Still Life with Palette, An Asian Still Life is a pop art piece that features Asian condiments, food, and tableware from my kitchen. With the use of acrylic paint and a digital art app called ibisPaintX, I did my best to emulate Lichtenstein's clean and bold pop art style with an Asian twist.

Still Life in Art , Mixed Media (Acrylic & Digital Media), 10" x 10"
by Lyanne Pham • School: TDSB Virtual School

The artwork I have created imitates the famous painting "Still Life with Palette" by Roy Lichtenstein was a unique style that I enjoyed working with and observing. The way he combined abstract and realism with this art style drew me in which is why I chose it. It was difficult at first to get the style down because I was not able to access the materials needed for these specific techniques (ex; for screenprinting). I had to improvise quite a bit with traditional and digital painting but I think overall with the circumstances I face, it turned out well overall.

Still Life in Art , Acrylic Paint, 20 x 20 cm
by Jiya Patel • School: TDSB Virtual School

This still life was inspired by Lui Yingzhao's hyperrealistic art style and how they transmute the tiny imperfections of real-life onto paper. The final piece was created by layering Prisma colour onto a contour drawing.

Still Life in Art , Acrylic Paint, 10" x 10"
by Felicia Xiang • School: TDSB Virtual School

For this piece, I got inspiration from the art style of Megan Coyle. The objects in my piece are things that I have bought while on vacation. These specific objects remind me of the fun times I’ve had while vacationing with my family.

Still Life in Art , Watercolour and Pen, 22 x 22 cm
by Fahima Mahima • School: TDSB Virtual School

To create my still life, I first gathered items that I liked. Then I arranged them in different ways and in different backgrounds to satisfy what I was looking for. I had to remove a few objects because it was too cluttered. When I was happy with my picture, I added a grid to it so I can make my contour drawings. I went row by row and this technique was very helpful. Next, once my drawing was done, I erased the lines and painted them with watercolour. Finally, I traced it with a black fine point pen to bring it all together.

Still Life in Art , Mixed Media (pen & acrylic paint), 34 x 25 cm
by Elizabeth Wang • School: TDSB Virtual School

This artwork was inspired by Roy Lichtenstein's pop art, by incorporating his methods I've emphasized the contrast and shading of the objects drawn. I enjoy the lively cartoonish art style of his work and was inspired to incorporate his methods into this piece.

Still Life in Art , Pencil, 26.5 x 38 cm
by Elisa Suo • School: TDSB Virtual School

Art can be found everywhere. The placement of objects is flexible and changeable. Find usable objects on the existing basis and arrange them, then capture the relationship between them and express them with a pencil.

Still Life in Art , Acrylic Paint, 8" x 10"
by Drew Tsiptsis • School: TDSB Virtual School

It’s a mix of acrylic paint and coloured pencils.

Still Life in Art , digital media, 30 x 40 cm
by Aiya Hamadeh • School: TDSB Virtual School

This was the view from where I was seated during virtual school. My actual view was very dull, so I played around with the colour scheme and decided that using more vibrant and contrasting colours would be the perfect touch! I think that my mood during the moment greatly influenced how I wanted to approach this piece; I was feeling very happy, so I expressed it by making my view seem more full of colour!

COVID-opoly , Digital, 12 x 12"
by Alejandro Revollo Serrano • School: Weston C. I.

COVID-opoly , Digital, 12 x 12"
by Nerissa Lewis • School: Weston C. I.

Quarantine , Pen, Pencil Crayon, Watercolour Markers, 8.5 x 12
by Bethany Lim • School: William Lyon Mackenzie C.I.

This artwork represents my struggles as well as other peoples’ struggles going through quarantine.

Safety , photoshop, 8×10 inches
by Zhi-lin(Sandy), Kuo • School: Central Toronto Academy

During the pandemic, I used the background behind the jail to present how dangerous the outside could be, and the reason why I used sea and sand beside the bed is, usually we feel warm, freedom and relax when we go to the beach and that which my feelings about home. Overall, the outside world is scared but when I stay home will get relaxing and feel like paradise.

The Amazin House Hold , Coloured Pencil and Ink, 8×10
by Richer Shen • School: TDSB Virtual Secondary School

Inspired by Roy Lichtenstein’s "Interior with Restful Paintings"

2020 Still Life , Watercolour and Ink, 11 x 14
by Lily Phan • School: William Lyon Mackenzie C.I.

Lily Phan was born in Toronto, Ontario in 2005. Since middle school, she has explored and created a variety of artworks from cartoon art to murals. At age 15, her visual arts teacher introduced her to pen and mixed media art. From there, she discovered a newfound love for realistic pen art and watercolour paintings. Today, she continues to use those mediums to create more artworks.

Inferno , Acrylic, 30x24x0.5
by Deandra Donaldson • School: Leaside High School

Untitled , Acrylic, 30x24x0.5
by Emily Wilson • School: Leaside High School

Untitled , Acrylic, 30x24x0.5
by Mina Sun • School: Leaside High School

Untitled , Acrylic and Modeling Paste, 30x24x0.5
by Arvin Arshouri • School: Leaside High School

Untitled , Oil, 24x18x1.5
by Emily Wilson • School: Leaside High School

Pretty in Pink , Mixed Media, 40x30x1.5
by Audrey Carroll • School: Leaside High School

Pink Rose , Acrylic, 12x12x1.5
by Emily Knight • School: Leaside High School

Forever , Oil, 18x24x1.5
by Sheryl Yee • School: Leaside High School

Two Faced , oil, 24x18x1
by Emily Burke-Hall • School: Leaside High School

Beautiful people, beautiful problems , oil, 24x46x.05
by Tom Rands • School: Leaside High School

"Good As New" , oil paint and twine, 24x18x0.5
by Deandra Donaldson • School: Leaside High School

By My Side , Oil, 18x24x1.5
by Sheryl Yee • School: Leaside High School

Kalopsia Lotus , Oil and Acrylic, 24x30x0.5
by Isra Chowdhury • School: Leaside High School

The Violent Ocean , Acrylic, 11 x 7
by Nashat Nawar • School: William Lyon Mackenzie C.I.

This depicts an empty ocean with the powerful waves crashing down under a night sky. I wanted to show that the ocean is very lonely and gets very restless at times. I enjoy doing art, because it allows me to be creative and think outside of the box to make meaningful and original pieces of artwork

Downtown Drive , Watercolour and Ink, 11.5 x 7
by Denisa Roman • School: William Lyon Mackenzie C.I.

My artwork is a watercolour painting of a photograph that I took while driving through the streets of downtown Toronto. The architecture and the colours of my photograph are what really stood out to me, so that is why I decided to paint it. I don’t often draw or paint things using perspective, so this was very new to me but overall helped with skill development and it was very fun!

Selfie , Acrylic Paint, 18 X 24 X 1
by Latavia Cooper • School: Father Henry Carr

Self Portrait , Acrylic Paint, !8 X 24 X 1
by Chad Lillico • School: Father Henry Carr

Samurai , Construction Paper, Acrylic Paint, 10 X 12
by Rebecca Singh • School: Father Henry Carr

My Fave Musician , Acrylic Paint, 18 X 24 X 1
by Rebecca Singh • School: Father Henry Carr

Check Me Out , Photography, 9 x 12
by Deborah Iyamu • School: Father Henry Carr

Self Portrait , Acrylic Paint, 18 X 24 X 1
by Elsa Saji • School: Father Henry Carr

My Hero , Acrylic Paint, 18 X 24 X 1
by Dev Alto • School: Father Henry Carr

The Weekend , Acrylic Paint, 18 X 24 X 1
by Sabrina Milan • School: Father Henry Carr

Pop Art Tears , Pencil Crayon, 8 X 10
by Catherine Magday • School: Father Henry Carr

Miss America , Pencil, 16 X 20
by Catherine Magday • School: Father Henry Carr

Selfie , Acrylic Paint, 18 X 24 X 1
by Catherine Magday • School: Father Henry Carr

How Dark is Light? , Darkroom Print, 8 x 10
by Denisa Roman • School: William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute

My photograph defines the elements of light vs. dark concepts and creates a sense of understanding on how a certain amount of light can affect the overall brilliance in a room. This shows a contrast between the brightest and darkest subjects throughout, which adds a meaning. The purpose of my photograph was to capture a uniqueness and unity of contrast, as well as showcase how light and dark create a strong bond when put together.

Wheels in Contrast , Darkroom Print, 8 x 10
by Vanessa Aniuzu • School: William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute

In the making of this photograph, I had fun showing ways in which I could capture the subject in a creative way. I initially had difficulties with the camera I was working with, so this photo is a result of one out of three attempted photo shoots; two of which I considered as fails since the film was exposed to light before I had the chance to develop it. All in all, I am very pleased with how the picture came out.

Open 24 Hours , Darkroom Print, 8 x 10
by Olivia Bombino • School: William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute

This photograph represents the endless creativity in all of us. The light in this photo signifies the illumination of our expressiveness. No matter what image we capture, our creativity in how we portray it is limitless.

A Baby’s Innocence , Graphite on Paper, 12 x 8.5
by Kailey Cheng • School: William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute

Innocence is taken as a token of promise for a renewal of the world by infants. They are created with love, purity, and innocence; and yet, they show vulnerability through their eyes. The flower placed on the newborn’s head is a symbolism of the cycle of creation which depicts that all life comes from one singular source.

Fallen Petals , Acrylic paint , 12" x 12" x 1/2"
by Julia Porter • School: William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute

This piece represents time constantly slipping away from individuals as their lives progress. Each flower illustrates a specific moment in someone’s life. The fallen petals and flowers demonstrate the years gone by that now only exist in their mind. Slowly the petals on the ground will multiply and the individual won’t even notice them silently hitting the ground one by one. We must appreciate every moment of our lives and live each one to the fullest, because once they’re gone, they can only persist in our memories.

Pink Mushrooms , Acrylic Paint , 8 x 10 x 0.5
by Cristelle M. Valdevieso • School: William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute

I took a liking to mushrooms since I was little because I always found them fascinating due to their unusual physical appearance. To me, mushrooms represented rapid growth and I wanted to show that in the form of a painting. Plants grow, and so do we. Although growth isn’t necessarily always good, us humans may grow to be better for ourselves and others. Even though my colour choice wasn’t the most tranquil colour, I wanted to make my piece stand out. By using a variety of different shades of red and pink, I managed to make the piece slightly more “out there.”

Lost Frog , Acrylic Paint, 10 x 8 x 0.5
by Veanna Felisco • School: William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute

This painting is a simple monochromatic painting using the colour viridian of a frog on a branch with plants in the background. I chose a frog for this painting because frogs are a very lovable creature and enjoyable to paint and draw. This piece is one of the few paintings that I’ve done and I’m still in the early stages of painting so I did have some issues here and there. Throughout the painting process, I took more risks and began feeling more comfortable with painting. I have learnt many techniques that can be used in future artworks.

Minimalist Landscape , Adobe Illustrator (Digital), 11×8.5
by Brianna Hopkins-Winkler • School: Richview Collegiate Institute

Little Brother , Digital, 35.4×27
by Lia Marchione • School: Richview Collegiate Institute

Cherry Bomb , Digital, 35.4×27
by Lia Marchione • School: Richview Collegiate Institute

Pride Fox , Digital, 10.67×10.67
by Khalesha Ali • School: Richview Collegiate Institute

Cryptid K-9’s , Digital, 10.67×10.67
by Khalesha Ali • School: Richview Collegiate Institute

Minimalist Landscape , Adobe Illustrator (Digital), 11×8.5
by Sh’rye Johnson • School: Richview Collegiate Institute

Shia LaBoeuf , Adobe Photoshop (Digital), 6.25×10
by Sh’rye Johnson • School: Richview Collegiate Institute

Untitled Landscape , Adobe Illustrator (Digital), 11×8.5
by Marin Hagerman • School: Richview Collegiate Institute

Self-Portrait , Adobe Illustrator (Digital), 11×8.5
by Jaeda-Marie Dennis • School: Richview Collegiate Institute

Self-Portrait , Adobe Illustrator (Digital), 11×8.5
by Emma Howorth • School: Richview Collegiate Institute

Inked Flowers , Ink, 14×10
by Emily Reid • School: Richview Collegiate Institute

Inner Strength , Ink and gouache, 14×7.9
by Christina Dinh • School: Richview Collegiate Institute

Flower Mask , Ink, 6.75×8.68
by Christina Dinh • School: Richview Collegiate Institute

Value Study , pencil on paper & collage, 8x.5 x 11
by Ana Maria Queralta Pantoja • School: Runnymede C.I.

Hannah Kim , pencil on paper, 8.5 x 11
by Naomi Bathuu • School: Runnymede C.I.

This piece was made to represent the love and unity between felines and humans.

Youthful Glow , digital art, 8.5 x 11
by Valerie Doan • School: Runnymede CI

Eye to Eye , acrylic on canvas, 18 x 20
by Rachel Moore • School: Runnymede CI

This work is about racism and oppression in Canada. My subject matter represents missing and murdered indigenous women and murdered and oppressed black women. It’s about two women of colour in Canada who are oppressed and ignored because of their ethnicity, seeing eye to eye and understanding each other’s pain. Both seen but never heard.

Alone , acrylic on canvas, 18 x 20
by Maria Rivera Aguilera • School: Runnymede CI

The issue I am portraying through this art piece is social anxiety. The art piece shows what someone who experiences this feels like. The imagery has a person suffering from social anxiety in the centre. In the background, there is a storm with lightning to represent how the person is feeling.

No Water, No Problem , acrylic on canvas, 11 x 13.5
by Sydney Coyle • School: Runnymede CI

This work is about the water crisis in First Nations reserves. This water crisis is one of many examples of the government addressing a symptom of a bigger issue and ignoring the problem itself. I was inspired by an image I saw in the news, it was an image of an activist showing the colour of the tap water in her reserve. I was shocked to see just how dirty the water was and the lack of action that was being taken to ensure these people’s safety.

The Tribute , acrylic on canvas, 18 x 20
by Althea Shettles-Worth • School: Runnymede Collegiate Institute

My painting focuses on the social issue of racism towards African American people, or, coloured individuals. They can become successful and achieve many amazing things despite society’s labels and obstacles set out for them. I want other black people to see this painting and realise that they too matter in this society no matter how old, what gender, sexuality, or ethnicity, they can accomplish great things if they believe in themselves and put their minds to it.

(unititled) , watercolour, 12 x 18
by Melike Aydin • School: Emery C.I.

Tessellation

Reflection of Goodness in the Heart , charcoal, 9×12
by Melike Aydin • School: Emery C.I.

The beauty in the heart can only be evident with kindness, and our hearts bloom only with goodness.

Masks in Change , charcoal, 9 x 12
by Melike Aydin • School: Emery C.I.

This work of mine is a reflection of the masks people put on themselves, even if they don’t realize it.

Galaxy in David’s mind , charcoal pencil, 9 x 12"
by Melike Aydin • School: Emery C.I.

This work is the application of the galaxy of thought in people’s own minds to the David statue.

Eerie , marker, acrylic, acrylic PPE covering, mixed materials, 6′ x 3 x 1 ( PPE coat)
by Michelle Ruiz • School: Emery C.I.

I was trying to show the loss we have experienced during this pandemic, how lonely things feel and how everything just seemed to stay still. The places where the pictures were taken, people once laughed, played and just hung out, now there’s just silence.

A Christmas Clouseau , Photography, 3.6 x 5.4 x 0
by Charlotte Partridge • School: SOLE Alternative

There’s no telling what Clouseau the cat will do in between eating and sleeping, but occasionally he’ll pose for a picture! The warm colours with the texture of cat fur are here to make you feel cozy and comfortable during these strange holiday times.

Don’t Get Too Close , Photography, 8 x 11 x 0
by Charlotte Partridge • School: SOLE Alternative

Don’t get too close to the cactus, the spikes hurt (trust me). This intimidating spiky exterior is just here to fool you. The more you zoom into the picture you can see this plant’s softness coming through. Silky smooth green skin with some furriness, it’s almost like if the grinch had a skincare routine.

Hot Blur , Photography, 4.17 x 6.25 x 0
by Charlotte Partridge • School: SOLE Alternative

I always thought that the heat camera effect was super cool. But what’s cooler than the actual heat camera? Getting the effect done with just makeup! With the warm tones and the blurriness of the dreads we get a hot blur.

LAND IS LIFE , Beaded Hand-made Skateboards (maple, photo-transfer, beads), 7 skateboards (8.5" x 32")
by OSF Student Design Crew x Monique Aura Bedard • School: Oasis Skateboard Factory

LAND IS LIFE (OSF x Aura Last) Land is Life is a collaboration between the Oasis Skateboard Factory (OSF) and Aura Last. The Oasis Skateboard Factory is an alternative TDSB high school program where students earn high school credits by building and selling skateboards and running a small design business. Monique Aura Bedard (ukwe x they/them) is a neurodiverse Onyota’a:ka x French art-maker x visual storyteller who is currently based on Dish with One Spoon Territory (Tkaronto). They grew up on Anishinaabe aki, down river from Aamjiwnaang First Nation, they have family there as well. Through their art practice (sewing, beading, painting murals, journaling), they aim to express and share stories about intergenerational healing, neurodiversity, identity, empowerment, and truth.  Living in an urban environment it can be easy to overlook the natural world and the processes of growth and decay that constantly surround us. Even skateboards come from the earth through the harvesting of wood, and return to our ecosystem when they eventually decay. The process of beading takes patience, focus and an acceptance of imperfection. Each bead is an intentional action, just like every molecule is precisely designed to give structure to our world. Responding to the prompts “What gives you life?”, OSF and Aura designed a series of hand-made beaded skateboards inspired by our relationships with nature. Combining photo transfer and beads each board reveals the inner-spirit of the world around us. @oasisskateboardfactory oasisskateboardfactory@blogspot.ca @monique.aura https://www.moniqueaura.com/