The Artist’s Studio and Gallery is a new space at Patriot Place added to a large array of shopping and dining areas. Usually featuring the work of professional artists, including some from the Foxborough Art Association, the gallery has transformed their unique space to include the work of local, up-and-coming high school artists. From January 27 to February 26 the gallery, which is located next to Dunkin Donuts, will be featuring the work of different high schools, such as Walpole, Foxborough, Franklin, and Norton.
On the weekend of January 27-29, Walpole High School had the opportunity to select 30-35 pieces from their extensive art program and feature them alongside six permanent and selling artists, keeping the new art vibrant and fresh all winter long. Teachers Mrs. Willa Mckee, Richard Kim, and Ms. Sandra Allison selected different pieces that they thought best reflected their art program’s wide range of talents. All three art courses were featured—from drawing and painting and design to ceramics and sculpture. “It was exciting because with the Patriot’s games going on, the area got a lot of foot traffic,” said Mr. Kim. Many people stopped by to see the art created by the young artists over the weekend. Sophomore Montana Gulbrand, whose art was picked among others to be displayed, said, “The gallery was a good experience overall, and it was cool to see people looking at my artwork.” Pieces from all grades and classes were featured, offering new and quirky techniques that are different from the professional pieces that were displayed, which were primarily scenery and portraits.
The students create a lot of pieces throughout the year, but many of their pieces do not get the opportunity to be commended for in art exhibits other than the town’s art show for grades K-12. The Patriot Place exhibit provided a different atmosphere for the art to be viewed by the community. “They got an opportunity to share their work, which is an important part of the art process,” said Mr. Kim. Instead of waiting for these opportunities in college, WHS art students have the chance to feature their art in a professional-like atmosphere. Gulbrand agreed and said, “This opportunity definitely makes me want to keep creating art, working toward another opportunity like this”.
Patriot Place has played an important role in uniting the community with different events. Different sports tournaments and championships are often held there, along with festivals and town-wide events. For students at WHS in particular, the area provides for many out of school activities: going to the movies, shopping, eating, and watching the football games. But now with an art gallery, Patriot Place extends its popularity by showcasing the great art potential of high school students.
