CWDHS to host art show, Battle of the Brushes

FERGUS – The high school cafeteria here will soon be filled with colourful artwork and competitive artists ready to race against the clock and impress the public enough to earn their votes. 

Centre Wellington District High School (CWDHS) is holding a Celebration of Visual Arts on May 7 from 6 to 9pm.  

The event will highlight student artists while raising money for the Centre Wellington Food Bank.  

It will include the second annual Excellence in Visual Arts, with art from high school students across the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB), the CWDHS Spring Art Show and the third annual Battle of the Brushes  competition.  

Excellence in Visual Arts

Two local artists will act as jurors during the Excellence in Visual Arts Show, and will select artwork to be displayed in the upcoming Emerging Insights show at the Wellington County Museum and Archives. 

The opening gala for Emerging Insights is set for May 28. 

CWDHS student Vanessa Van Wyk was among the artists whose work was selected for Emerging Insights last year, and said “as an artist it was one of the greatest moments of my life.

“Not just for me, but many other artists who got to be in a professional art gallery for the first time. Their art got to be seen by others and their stories and messages recognized by other professional artists and tourists during the summer” Van Wyk said. 

Battle of the Brushes

During the Battle of the Brushes high school students from across the UGDSB compete with each other in timed rounds of painting (20 minutes). 

CWDHS student AJ Reynolds competed in the Battle of the Brushes last year and intends to do so again this year. “I enjoyed the event because of the energy,” said Reynolds. 

“I was dancing the whole time which may have confused some people, but I was having a great time ... It’s a vibe. I am looking forward to this year’s event.” 

CWDHS student Paige Ciancone competed in the first and second Battle of the Brushes competitions and said, “Doing speed painting helps you to not get caught up in the small details and see the big picture.” 

And Van Wyk, last year’s winner, said “it’s inspiring to see other artists paint quickly without a reference with so much skill. 

“This event isn’t just engaging for artists but for family and friends who get to walk around and watch and see how the paintings change from the beginning to end.” 

The winners are voted on by the attending public.  

There will be a silent auction for the finished paintings, with half the proceeds going to the winning artist, and half to the local food bank.

Spring Art Show

The CWDHS Spring Art Show is a showcase of students’ work from the 2025/26 school year, including paintings, drawings, prints, photography and mixed media.

There will be student-made and teacher-demonstration pottery pieces available for purchase in a craft sale.

“We are excited to host this celebration of the visual arts in the Upper Grand District School Board,” said CWDHS art teacher Jennifer Main.

“Where art is often made independently, this event provides an opportunity for students, family and friends to gather and both appreciate the work of others and learn from their artistic process.”