BREAKING: Leominster High School students showcased their artwork in a groundbreaking local exhibit this weekend, marking a significant milestone for both the students and their teachers. The Sterling Arts Collaborative fall show took place on November 8 and 9, 2023, at the historic 1835 Town Hall in downtown Sterling, and it was the first time the school participated in this esteemed event.
The exhibit featured not only stunning creations from students but also artwork from Shelly Saben, the head of the LHS art department, who proudly displayed her painting titled “Kids Boots.” This was also a personal victory for Saben, as it was her first time having her work exhibited alongside her students, further enriching the experience.
“The enthusiasm the students feel and the pride they have in their work is such a wonderful thing to experience,” said fellow art teacher Linnea Romhanyi, reinforcing the emotional significance of this event. The exhibit allowed students to witness their artwork displayed next to that of accomplished adult artists, providing them with a powerful sense of accomplishment.
The participating students included juniors Lola Couture, Ivan Kaidalin, and Huynh Tran, along with seniors Sid Imbriani, Kenzie Moyen, Avin Ruiz, Erin Sargent, Natalie Smith, and Sophie Lopez, a sophomore from the Leominster Center for Technical Education Innovation (CTEi). Their diverse artworks ranged from paintings to photography, highlighting the extraordinary talent within the school.
The Sterling Arts Collaborative emphasized the importance of community engagement, stating,
“It was especially impressive to see the exhibiting artists who made themselves available to attendees to discuss their work and share thoughts.”
Following the event, attendees can follow the Sterling Arts Collaborative’s Facebook page to view photos of the local talent and learn about future shows.
Saben expressed her hopes for future collaborations with the Sterling Arts Collaborative, stating, “We are hoping to collaborate with SAC in the future to further expose our students to what this local community has to offer.” This sentiment underscores the ongoing commitment to nurturing student talent beyond the classroom and into the community.
Reflecting on her journey, Saben shared the personal impact of the exhibit. After spending nearly 30 years teaching and mentoring students, she rediscovered her passion for art in her late 40s, thanks in part to encouragement from her mother, Joanne Fortin. Saben humorously noted how her mother took one of her paintings off the wall to submit to the exhibit, inspiring her to embrace her artistic pursuits.
As the excitement from this unique event resonates throughout the Leominster community, the success of the LHS students serves as a reminder of the transformative power of art and the importance of community support.
This exhibit not only showcased the remarkable talent of young artists but also reinforced the notion that art is a lifelong journey, enriching lives beyond the confines of a classroom. Stay tuned for more updates on the incredible achievements of Leominster High School’s art program and its future endeavors within the local arts community.
