Local students' artwork on display at Aurora Cultural Centre

Mayor's Celebration of Youth Arts includes more than 100 pieces of art from Feb. 22 to March 21

Newmarkettoday.ca
Feb. 14, 2024

With 100 artworks in the gallery, and an additional 39 artworks online, the Mayor’s Celebration of Youth Arts (#MCOYA24) returns as a forum for local youth artists to showcase their bold ideas and designs without bounds or creative limitations.

Originating in 2011, the event has grown to be the most important platform for Aurora’s graduating Grade 12 visual art students to learn all the aspects of exhibiting in a professional gallery.

The exhibition represents the creative output from 55 students attending five local high schools: Aurora High School, Cardinal Carter Catholic High School, Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School, Ecole secondaire catholique Renaissance and St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic High School.

Public reception and opening gala
Student artists, their families and friends, elected officials, sponsors and the public will celebrate in the gallery Thursday, Feb. 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Official remarks from Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas and presenting sponsor Geranium Homes and the gallery team are at 7 p.m.

New MCOYA program this year in the gallery
ASAP (After School Art Program): a free weekly program for high school-aged youth of all backgrounds and identities with a consistent, reliable, and safe space to create freely, and build their own artistic community. During ASAP, students may work on art projects, develop creative ideas, establish their artistic portfolio, meet other artistically driven peers, gain professional advice from the gallery staff team -- or just hang out. High-school-aged youth who are not participating in the exhibition are welcome to attend.

ASAP runs every Thursday from Feb. 22 to March 21, with drop-in hours between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.

MCOYA24 runs Feb. 10 to April 20 in person, and Feb. 15 to May 17, 2024 online. Aurora Cultural Centre Temporary Gallery, Aurora Town Hall, second floor, Aurora.

Monday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Entry is at no charge.