URGENT UPDATE: Several Leominster High School (LHS) students made their mark this weekend, showcasing their artwork for the very first time in a local exhibit. The Sterling Arts Collaborative fall show took place on November 8 & 9 at the historic 1835 Town Hall in downtown Sterling, marking a significant milestone for both the students and their instructors.
Art teacher Shelly Saben, who leads the art department at LHS, submitted her own piece alongside student works, while her colleague Linnea Romhanyi also contributed. This exhibit not only highlighted student creativity but also celebrated Saben’s inaugural participation as an exhibiting artist. “The enthusiasm the students feel and the pride they have in their work is such a wonderful thing to experience,” Romhanyi stated, emphasizing the emotional impact of seeing students’ creations displayed alongside those of professional artists.
The exhibit featured a diverse array of artistic talents, with participants ranging from young children to an artist over 99 years old. Entries included captivating photographs and stunning paintings, showcasing the depth of local talent. The Sterling Arts Collaborative shared on social media that attendees had the chance to engage with the exhibiting artists, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.
LHS students whose artwork was prominently displayed included juniors Lola Couture, Ivan Kaidalin, and Huynh Tran, as well as seniors Sid Imbriani, Kenzie Moyen, Avin Ruiz, Erin Sargent, and Natalie Smith. Additionally, Sophie Lopez, a sophomore from the Leominster Center for Technical Education Innovation (CTEi), participated, further solidifying the school’s commitment to arts education.
Saben expressed her excitement about this unique opportunity, stating, “It was wonderful to have an opportunity to showcase our students’ work in the fall. All the other exhibitions and art competitions we submit work to are in the spring season.” She also revealed plans to collaborate with the Sterling Arts Collaborative in the future, aiming to further engage students with their local artistic community.
The emotional significance of this event was particularly poignant for Saben, who shared that her piece, titled “Kids Boots,” was displayed next to a pastel drawing created by her mother, Joanne Fortin. After spending decades teaching and nurturing students, Saben embraced her own artistic journey, inspired by her mother’s encouragement to exhibit her work. “Exhibiting my work was something I hadn’t thought much about… Teaching and mentoring students was what brought me joy,” she reflected.
This weekend’s exhibit serves not only as a showcase of talent but also as a powerful reminder of the importance of community support in fostering creativity and artistic growth. The Sterling Arts Collaborative encourages the public to follow their Facebook page for photos and updates on upcoming exhibits, further promoting local talent and engagement.
As the excitement from the exhibition unfolds, the LHS art department looks forward to continued collaboration and opportunities for students to shine in the arts, inspiring generations to come.
