January 23rd, 2024
Story by Kyo Lee, Grade 11 student in the WRDSB
Photos by Jessi, a student at Laurel Heights Secondary School
Laurel Heights Secondary School (LHSS) transformed into a gleaming space of light, noise, and wonder for Nuit Blanche. Through the imagination of 150+ creative students, more than 50 art installations were displayed, ranging from glow-in-the-dark dances; DJ sets; art installations; short films; cafés; shadow performances; and many more.
Students and families filled the hallways to experience the magical art show centred around the theme of awakening. The theme was chosen because “after experiencing COVID and how it transformed the world, we believe we all had some sort of awakening.”
Alice, a student at LHSS, was one of the students who organised the Butterfly Tea Party, a space for people to enjoy refreshments while painting. Alice explained that she aimed to “awaken people’s taste buds” as well as their appreciation for the conglomeration of cultures, “colour, and feeling in art.”
Alice also explained how the skills, knowledge and relationships she built in the classroom played an important role in her participation in Nuit Blanche.
“All the teachers supported us so well,” said Alice. “They were such good role models as adults.”
While students and staff prepared for Nuit Blanche for months, the final result relied on the participation and engagement of the audience.
Lauren, a student at LHSS, initiated an interactive mural. She explained that people could “vote [for new elements] every half an hour, and I would add it to the painting… I got to come up with the prompts, but I had no idea what people were going to pick, so I couldn’t really plan for it.”
She noted that this aspect presented an opportunity to learn.
“I don’t [normally] paint like this, under very strict time limits and improvising, so that was a great lesson in discipline and adaptability,” she said.
Lauren believes that art is an integral part of the education process.
“I’m very adamant about the importance of art,” said Lauren. “Art is everywhere. Every single brand you know has an element of design and art.”
Staff organisers echoed these thoughts:
“The arts… allow students to express themselves and their personal passions,” said staff members Kidd, Roe, and Scullion. Through the joy of what they love to do, students are able to explore what it means to be a human being.”
The words of students and staff alike made it clear that Nuit Blanche is more than an installation; it’s a space for students to foster their creativity, collaboration, and community, especially in the school environment.
“It truly is a magical experience to see so many diverse, talented kids come together and share their work with our community,” said the staff organisers.
Nuit Blanche, inspiring new passions, as well as a desire and appreciation for expression, serves as an outstanding example of how students can lead the incorporation and celebration of art in the WRDSB community.
#StudentVoice Series
This article is written by a WRDSB student and is part of the Student Agency and Voice program. Student journalists embody WRDSB’s commitment to creating space for students to tell their stories. They are ambassadors for their peers as they share their personal experiences and stories about their schools and communities in their unique voices.
Categories: News
