On Friday night, a capacity crowd of 280 guests were treated to an extraordinary evening of talks by ESA visual arts students in grades 9 -12 at OCADU.
With art as a common thread, the talks explored memory, process, vulnerability, alienation, gender, culture, mindfulness, mourning, sentimentality and learning.
Speakers were eloquent, articulate and inspiring. Through words, images, music and even equations, they had the audience captivated by their insight, authenticity, directness and passion about their artistic and personal journeys.
It was evening of reflection, excitement, humour and even, a few tears.
At the end, the audience responded to the speakers with a standing ovation. Had this been a musical performance, there would be been encores. In fact, the first question during the question period, was “When is the next Art Talks?”
Kudos to Mr. Varey, Izzy, Annie, Reed, Rivka, Tashi, Katie, Malachi, Jodie, Rachel, Alessia, Hannah, Hannah, Tyler and Lorena for leaving us inspired and wanting more.