We are excited to invite you to the third annual Monsters and Heroes Art Show on Friday, May 8th from 6–9 PM at The New Gallery.

This special exhibition brings together approximately 400 students from 12 CBE schools, alongside students from the Alberta University of the Arts, practicing artists, and professors. What makes this project unique is its cross-generational collaboration — and it all begins with our Grade 4 students.

Grade 4 artists are at the heart of this show. Each student creates an original Monster or Hero, inventing a character entirely from their imagination. These drawings become the creative foundation for the entire project.

From there, the artwork is passed along in stages:

• Grades 7–9 expand on and reinterpret the original characters.

• Grades 10–12 further develop the ideas, adding technical skill, storytelling, and complexity.

• University art students then create final pieces inspired by the high school works, completing the collaborative chain.

By the end of the process, what began as your child’s original drawing evolves into a layered, multi-generational body of artwork. Every stage is inspired by the Grade 4 creations, meaning your child’s imagination directly influences dozens of new works.

Many parents — especially Grade 4 families — expressed interest last year in purchasing artwork inspired by their child’s original character. We are pleased to share that artwork will be available for purchase again this year. This is a wonderful opportunity to take home a unique piece that connects back to your child’s creative idea and celebrates their role in this larger artistic journey.

We hope you will join us for this inspiring evening of creativity, community, and celebration.