Leominster High School Students Shine in Local Art Exhibit
Several students from Leominster High School showcased their artistic talents at the Sterling Arts Collaborative fall exhibit held on November 8 and 9, 2023. This event marked a significant milestone as it was the first time both the school and art teacher Shelly Saben participated in such an exhibition. Saben, who heads the art department, displayed one of her own paintings alongside her students’ work, highlighting the creativity fostered in the school.
The exhibit took place at the historic 1835 Town Hall in downtown Sterling. Students including juniors Lola Couture, Ivan Kaidalin, and Huynh Tran, as well as seniors Sid Imbriani, Kenzie Moyen, Avin Ruiz, Erin Sargent, and Natalie Smith, contributed their exemplary artwork. Additionally, sophomore Sophie Lopez from the Leominster Center for Technical Education Innovation also had her work featured.
Celebrating Student Accomplishments
The participation in the exhibit provided a platform for students to engage with the broader artistic community. Linnea Romhanyi, a fellow art teacher at the school, expressed her admiration for the students’ enthusiasm. “The pride they feel in their work is a wonderful experience,” she stated. “Seeing their creations alongside established artists gives them a sense of accomplishment and highlights that art can enrich life beyond the classroom.”
The exhibit included a diverse range of artistic expressions, featuring works from artists of all ages, including children and an individual over 99 years old. The Sterling Arts Collaborative remarked on the impressive engagement of exhibiting artists, who were available to discuss their pieces and share insights with attendees.
A Personal Milestone for Educators
For Saben, the exhibit was not only a professional debut but also a personal journey. She showcased her painting titled “Kids Boots” next to a pastel drawing created by her mother, Joanne Fortin. Saben shared that after dedicating over 30 years to teaching and raising her children, returning to her own art became a priority when she entered a master’s program in her late 40s.
“Exhibiting my work was something I hadn’t thought much about; my focus was always on teaching,” Saben noted. “It was my mother who encouraged me to submit my paintings. She even took one off my wall to enter into the show!”
As Saben reflects on this milestone, she hopes to continue collaborating with the Sterling Arts Collaborative to provide more opportunities for her students to engage with the local art scene. “It was wonderful to showcase our students’ work this fall, especially since most exhibitions occur in the spring,” she concluded, emphasizing her commitment to nurturing young artists at Leominster High School.
The community response to the exhibit highlighted the importance of local art initiatives in supporting student creativity and fostering a culture of appreciation for the arts. As the Sterling Arts Collaborative continues to promote local talent, events like these reinforce the value of artistic expression in education.
