The studio arts program is run by the art instructor, Ms. Richards, and Mr. Marriott. The work produced by students throughout the year culminates in an annual art show, “Out of the Blue”.

Our visual artists have had their work exhibited at the Ministry of Education offices in Victoria, at the BC Teachers’ Federation building in Vancouver, at the Arts in the High Country Festival (Sagebrush Theatre), and in the NSBIA’s Festival of Banners. Westsyde’s artists also painted one of the 4 murals at the Superstore in Sa-Hali. Four schools each painted a season illustrating the theme of “Live, Work, and Play in Kamloops, BC’s Friendliest City.” Our season is Winter. Each mural is 8 feet high, and 16 feet long, and they flank the entire wall as one comes up from the underground parkade. They are permanently installed in this space.

Senior students at Westsyde created a large 8 ft high by 16 ft long mural of the Manhattan skyline, which was incorporated as part of the set for the theatre production of Barefoot in the Park, and was also featured at the West Rotary Club’s “Manhattan Nights” fundraiser. Another mural is one done at The Hamlets, a seniors’ home in Westsyde, on a floor of the dementia wing. 

If you’re a visitor to Westsyde, you can enjoy the collaborative art mural in the art lounge, which addresses the essential question, “What worlds can visual arts open up to us?” This year, we will also be installing a mural in the band lounge which celebrates various genres of music and pays tribute to the GSA club that meets in that space. In progress are also yoga-inspired art pieces to be installed in the mat room/yoga studio.