Several students from Leominster High School showcased their artwork at a local exhibit, marking a significant milestone for their art department. The exhibition took place on November 8 and 9, 2023, as part of the Sterling Arts Collaborative fall show held at the historic 1835 Town Hall in downtown Sterling. Art teacher Shelly Saben, who leads the art department, submitted her own painting alongside her students’ works for the first time.
This event not only represents the inaugural participation of Leominster High School in a Sterling Arts Collaborative exhibit, but it also marks the first occasion that Saben has displayed her own artwork publicly. Her colleague, Linnea Romhanyi, also contributed her piece to the exhibit.
“The enthusiasm the students feel and the pride they have in their work is such a wonderful thing to experience,” Romhanyi commented. She emphasized that seeing their creations displayed alongside professional artists gives students a valuable sense of achievement. This experience underscores the idea that art is a lifelong pursuit that extends beyond the classroom.
The exhibit featured artists of varying ages, from elementary school children to a participant over 99 years old. The range of works included photographs, paintings, and other art forms. The organizers of the Sterling Arts Collaborative expressed their admiration for the artists who engaged with attendees, discussing their work and sharing insights.
Several Leominster High School students had their works displayed, including juniors Lola Couture, Ivan Kaidalin, and Huynh Tran, along with seniors Sid Imbriani, Kenzie Moyen, Avin Ruiz, Erin Sargent, and Natalie Smith. Additionally, sophomore Sophie Lopez from the Leominster Center for Technical Education Innovation also participated.
Saben expressed her excitement about the opportunity to showcase student artwork in the fall, noting that most other exhibitions and competitions occur in the spring. She hopes to collaborate with the Sterling Arts Collaborative in the future to further expose students to local artistic opportunities.
For Saben, the exhibit was especially meaningful. Not only was it her first public showing, but she was also able to display her painting titled “Kids Boots” alongside a pastel drawing created by her mother, Joanne Fortin. Saben shared her journey back to art after 30 years of teaching and raising her children, which began as she pursued a master’s program in her late 40s.
“Exhibiting my work was something I hadn’t thought much about; it was never really a priority for me artistically. Teaching and mentoring students was what brought me joy,” Saben reflected. She acknowledged her mother’s encouragement, revealing that Fortin had taken a painting from her wall to submit to the exhibit, inspiring her to share her art publicly.
The successful event not only highlighted the talent of Leominster High School students but also showcased the vibrant artistic community within Sterling, providing a platform for emerging artists and seasoned professionals alike.
