The Robert McLaughlin Gallery Hosts Durham Catholic District School Board Virtual Art Exhibit

The Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) and The Robert McLaughlin Gallery (RMG) are pleased to announce a virtual art exhibit that will premiere on June 17, 2021 and features student art.

The virtual art exhibition features over 180 pieces of art by students in Kindergarten to Grade 12. Over 40 schools across the DCDSB submitted student work as part of the Virtual Art Exhibit. The work that is shared as part of this exhibit includes sketches, paintings, clay, digital art and more. 

The DCDSB has had a long-standing relationship with the RMG. The RMG has hosted an exhibit of DCDSB student art biennially for many years, however, during the COVID-19 pandemic this has not been possible. In March 2021, the RMG and DCDSB decided to move forward with the exhibit partnership, but shift to a virtual setting in order to adhere to health and safety protocols in place.

 “We have seen a huge increase in student interest in visual arts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our students are using the arts to express their thoughts, feelings, beliefs and messages that they may or may not be comfortable communicating in other manners” said Pat Costello, DCDSB Academic Services Consultant for Health and Physical Education and the Arts. “A virtual art exhibit was a way for students to share their creativity with their friends, families and community, along with natural connections within the Arts Curriculum.” 

“We are thrilled to be able to support the Durham Catholic District School Board Student Art Exhibition with this beautiful virtual showcase of student artwork. While we look forward to being able to host this exhibition in person again in the future, we are so pleased to be able to celebrate alongside each of you. Congratulations to all the students and teachers who worked to make this possible – you have really outdone yourselves. Thank you for sharing your incredible work.”  - Leila Timmins, Senior Curator.

The DCDSB and the RMG would like to acknowledge the many dedicated teachers who have supported student creativity and expression, and whose efforts have gone into creating this virtual art exhibit. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to all of the students who had the courage to share their talents with us.

The DCDSB Virtual Art Exhibit can be viewed on the RMG website here.