Fostering Creativity and Community through Expressions
Every spring, the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery (KWAG) showcases Expressions, an exhibition celebrating the creative work of elementary and secondary school students from the Waterloo Region. This annual event provides an invaluable opportunity to witness the fresh perspectives, imaginative ideas, and diverse experiences that the next generation brings to our community.
This year’s exhibition, Expressions 50: Foresight, holds special significance as it marks a milestone anniversary. The exhibition explores the theme of “Foresight,” inviting viewers to consider the future through the eyes of the region’s youth.
KWAG reached out to Hannah Lee about One More Light, the artwork selected as inspiration for Expressions 50: Foresight.
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Hannah Lee and I’m a grade 12 student with many hobbies including sports, spending time with family, reading, science, and of course, art. I practice most of my art through the mediums of graphite, or acrylic paints.
How does art feature in your life?
My enjoyment is most evident when I create art in the comfort of my own home. I find painting and drawing to be relaxing, and a way to spend valuable time with myself and my family. I love watching myself improve, and feeling proud of my final pieces.
What inspired your artwork?
My Expressions 49: Breakthrough piece was inspired by the exhibition's theme. To me, the word “breakthrough” signifies the ability to push through when things get difficult, and I wanted my piece to reflect that. I took inspiration from my own feelings, as well as experiences from the people around me. The goal of my piece was to invoke a sense of relatability for every viewer, no matter what their current struggles and feelings are. Most importantly, I wanted my work to visually represent the concept of hope—the hope that you can push through and reach a light ahead.
Through Expressions 50: Foresight, we not only celebrate the incredible talent of young artists but also the educators who encourage critical thinking, imagination, and a lifelong appreciation for art. This exhibition is a reminder of how art has the power to inspire, challenge, and shape the future—both for the artists and the communities they serve.
Registration for this year's Expressions exhibition opened on Friday, 31 January and will close on Saturday, 8 March, 2025. More information about the submission process can be found here.
Gallery photography by Scott Lee.
Feature Image: Hannah Lee, One More Light, 2024. Acrylic on canvas. 45 x 60 cm. Expressions 49: Breaking Through, 4 May - 2 June, 2024. Photo by KWAG.
