The 30th annual High Energy exhibition at the Art Gallery of St. Albert (AGSA) features over 120 artworks from students at three local high schools: École Secondaire St. Albert Catholic High School, Paul Kane High School, and Bellerose Composite High School. The 2025 theme, 'Look Up and Marvel,' encourages exploration of wonder and perspective. Curator Emily Baker notes a rise in car and truck imagery due to changing student demographics, alongside recurring subjects like music celebrities, fantasy landscapes, and pop culture. Bellerose marks Black History Month with pieces honoring figures such as Zendaya, Nina Simone, and Tupac Shakur. The exhibition opens May 8 with a reception where six Christopher Kazaleous Awards will be presented.
This exhibition matters because it highlights the importance of youth engagement in the visual arts and the role of community galleries in fostering creativity. The inclusion of diverse themes—from identity and representation to surrealism—reflects how art education can adapt to student interests and demographics. The awards and public reception underscore the value placed on young artists' achievements, encouraging continued participation in the arts at a local level.