Dana Kim’s parents are both artistic.
Her dad is a film director and her mother is a graphic artist.
And the Grade 12 student at Port Coquitlam’s Terry Fox Secondary credits them for showing her how to be creative and think outside of the box.
Her visual arts teacher also has been a source of inspiration.
“She has encouraged me to try new things,” the 17 year old said of her high school instructor Grace Kim. “It’s nice to have her help in the class.”
On May 12, Dana Kim will be among dozens of art students from Terry Fox and Riverside secondaries to unveil their pieces in Imaginings V.
The exhibit, which will coincide with the city’s May Day 100 celebrations, will have its opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Michael Wright Art Gallery in the Gathering Place at Leigh Square; there is no cost to attend.
The show will be in the gallery and The Outlet until June 9.
Dana Kim has three pieces in the marine-themed display that were created for school assignments:
- "Underwater," a watercolour on paper depicting a sea monster that doesn’t exist
- "White on Black," a white pencil crayon on Bristol based on the protagonist in the film Moulin Rouge
- "Terry Fox," an acrylic on canvas of PoCo’s hometown hero that she plans to donate to her high school
In the latter painting, she includes Fox’s words “Anything Is Possible” — a motto at Terry Fox Secondary that aims to motivate students and staff.
“The quote is simple but there’s great meaning,” she told the Tri-City News during an interview after school. “Many people see it every day.”
Dana Kim said besides the annual student Emerging Talent exhibit at Place des Arts, where she highlighted "Underwater," she’s never had her art in a public gallery.
“I’m proud of myself that my art collections are getting out there,” said the graduating student, who plans to study veterinary medicine and bio-medical science at the University of Guelph, in Ontario, this fall.
In total, Fox is submitting 70 pieces from grade 9 to 12 students for Imaginings V.
“I highly value the public exhibits as they are a perfect opportunity to showcase our students’ wonderful artworks, which boosts their confidence and further develops their interest in making art,” Grace Kim told the Tri-City News.
The Riverside Secondary component was organized by art teachers AJ Vittie and Cam Drysdale.
The Michael Wright Art Gallery (200-2253 Leigh Sq.) is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. while The Outlet Art Gallery (110-2248 McAllister Ave.) is open Monday to Saturday, same hours.
