A wide range of inspirational artwork created by young students were proudly showcased at a vernissage that was held at Pierre Elliot Trudeau Elementary School in Vaudreuil-Dorion on Thursday evening, May 18.

Students, their parents and families, and school staff were ecstatic at finally being able to finally have a vernissage because COVID restrictions prohibited public gatherings the previous three years.

Art teacher Cathy Diemahave said it was wonderful to see how enthusiastic and proud the students were at being able to show off their artistic talents to their parents, family members and friends.

"It's also very important for them to see what other artwork is out there. When the younger students see what the older students are doing, they become very inspired," said Diemahave.

Caroline Dinunzio, a Special Education Technician said the students who particpate in her after-school art program "absolutely love it."

"They love being with their friends and they also bond together because they all love art. They get an extra hour in a non-academic environment and they all have a blast," said Dinunzio.

"Different children light up according to the different activities that we do. There are children who get excited with painting and others are thrilled with the mixed media process. It's wonderful to see them come alive according to the projects we do," she added.

Nancy Potvin, the Interim Principal said the children are thrilled to see the positive reactions they get from their parents when they see their artistic masterpieces.

"I've been walking around and enjoying everything I see. The students are also excited to show me their art pieces as well," said Potvin. 

Deirdre Potash, an artist from Artwill Studio in Vaudreuil-Dorion also participated in the vernissage. She taught the students who were enrolled in her workshops at the school on how to make dioramas, three-dimensional art pieces.

The theme of the project was Save the Whales, a marine mammal with many species on the endangered list.

This inspired the budding young artists to create their own unique 3-D masterpieces to showcase the importance of preserving the species most at risk of extinction. The dioramas were proudly on display for everyone to see.