The Martlet

For most Victoria artists, the hardest part about getting recognition is getting exposure. The Imagination Gallery, a unique group of young artists dedicated to uncovering other young artists, has the answer.

The Imagination Gallery puts on shows of all types, showcasing all mediums of art. March 6 and 7 marked the second-annual Limelight Exhibition, an Imagination Gallery event dedicated to providing artists aged 12 to 22 with and avenue to display their work, no matter what form the art may take. The work on display ranged from music and dancing to paintings and photography. And it all meshes together for one mind-blowing experience.

The staggering scope of the Imagination Gallery was shocking, as 50-plus featured artists were packed into just a few small rooms at Cedar Hill Recreation Centre. The pieces on display ranged from sculptures made entirely of nuts, bolts and old piping to vivid paintings of scenery and animals.

Christine White, one of the gallery’s founding members, displayed her work at the Limelight exhibition, and looked perfectly at ease while working on a gigantic portrait entirely in charcoal. In another space were photographic gems shot by Noel Anstey.

One room showcased music as another medium of art, with the band Soul Funkable performing their rendition of Jamiroquai’s “Little L.” Immediately, people began dancing as the band’s plentiful energy swept the room.

Sid Vereecken, another founder of the gallery, said the gallery’s mission is to be a launch pad for youth to get involved in art and get exposed.

“Our gallery is different because we don’t limit ourselves to one type of art,” said Vereecken. “The audience can expect to see all styles, including music, painting and poetry.”

Right he is. Around another corner was a gigantic canvas lying flat and being worked on by a variety of volunteers to create a unique painting.

The Imagination Gallery was founded in 2007, and their first exhibition was only a quiet gathering of artists entitled Expose. From there, the six original creators nurtured their brainchild into an entity large enough to produce the first Limelight event. From there, the ball never stopped rolling.

Students interested in having art featured in the next show should get in touch with The Imagination Gallery via their Facebook page.