Pressing graphite to paper is one of 17-year old Cozette MacallumB次元官网网址檚 favourite things to do.

Before she dons her cap and gown to graduate Belmont secondary this June, sheB次元官网网址檚 busy selecting what art pieces to enter in the Roots Sooke School District annual student fine art show and sale exhibition. She anticipates entering more than 10 pieces but hasnB次元官网网址檛  narrowed down her choices yet.

B次元官网网址淚 like to draw with graphite and I love acrylic paint. I have loved art since I could hold a crayon,B次元官网网址� said the Metchosin teen.

Whether she is using coloured pencils creating a portrait of Vikings actress Katheryn Winnick or a graphite sketch of her favourite predators, eagles and wolves, the Belmont student is excited to display her art.

B次元官网网址淢ost students donB次元官网网址檛 get to hang their own art shows until later on in university,B次元官网网址� Macallum said. B次元官网网址淭his is going to be a great show with so many great aspiring artists.B次元官网网址�

In total 200 students from Sooke School District entered work in the show, about 100 of them from Belmont secondary.

B次元官网网址淎rt is all about self expression and when your art is out there, itB次元官网网址檚 like your voice is being heard,B次元官网网址� said Laura Rechwan, 17. B次元官网网址淏eing in this art show makes us feel like a bigger part of the arts community and inspires us to have more confidence with our artwork.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淲e have by far the most students entered,B次元官网网址� said Belmont art teacher Victoria Khan, who has been putting studentsB次元官网网址� artwork aside all year building up for this.

The Roots SD 62 art show started in 2007 and is a growing tradition. It features fine art plus jazz and classical music performances from students in middle and secondary schools throughout the district. This is its fourth year at Royal Roads.

B次元官网网址淲e are really trying to establish ourselves with this show and having it on MotherB次元官网网址檚 Day weekend makes it a big event,B次元官网网址� Khan said.

All of the students art will be judged and $1,000 worth of prizes will be awarded thought the West Shore Arts Council.

The exhibition is in the Quarterdeck at Royal Roads University, 2005 Sooke. Rd. ItB次元官网网址檚 open May 11 from noon to 5 p.m. and on May 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Royal Roads entertains the masses for MotherB次元官网网址檚 Day

Treat your mom like royalty this MotherB次元官网网址檚 Day and head to Hatley Castle. Royal Roads hosts its annual MotherB次元官网网址檚 Day Paint-In, May 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Local artists, artisans and musicians will be spread across the universityB次元官网网址檚 Hatley Park. Enjoy free admission to the gardens and castle. Parking is $5 for the day.