Grade 10 art class create paintings for historic building
Ray Martin
Times Staff
Two dozen art students from Jacob Hespeler Secondary School will soon be leaving their mark on the Hespeler train station.
Marion Anderson's Grade 10 art class has spent the better part of two months creating a a series of large paintings on plywood sheets which will be attached to the historic building this coming week.
"It's been quite an overwhelming project," Anderson said, "but its something that has really captured the students' imagination."
The high school art class is working in concert with the Hespeler Heritage Railway Station Association, which is attempting to save the 1900 board and batten building, and restore it to its former grandeur.
Prior to starting their work, the old train station was measured and photographs were taken so students would know exactly where their paintings would be placed.
The art produced by the students will not only draw attention to the building, but will also assist in securing the building from vandals.
In once incident, a small fire was set in the building, but it was discovered before serious damage resulted.
With high school art adorning the building's exterior, association officials believe it will have a two-fold benefit of creating greater awareness of the building and its eventual restoration, as well as giving the community's youth a chance to be part of the project.
The art revolves around two themes, both of which have deep roots in the Hespeler community - hockey and trains.
Danielle LeDuc, one of the students involved in the project, isn't much of a hockey fan, but she loves trains. Her work involves a classic locomotive.
"I just love the look of those old trains," she said. "I decided to combine it with a background filled with old houses. I like the balance between the two."
Jamie Lovell is a real hockey fan and his four feet by eight feet painting reflects that interest. In developing his painting, the young artist took several action shots from old hockey magazines and then projected them onto his plywood canvas.
"It's been a lot of work," he said. "The darker colors have made the figures really stand out. I like the way it's worked out."
The work of the Jacob Hespeler students will be the subject of a special outdoor art show and open house being staged at the railway station following this Saturday's Hespeler Santa Claus Parade.
Danielle LeDuc isn't much of a hockey fan, but she loves trains. RAY MARTIN, THE TIMES |
Students at Jacob Hespeler Secondary School mixed their love for art with some history to help out the Hespeler Heritage Railway Station Association. RAY MARTIN, THE TIMES |