Leduc Art Club

The Aspiring Young Artists Competition began in 2013, founded by Leduc Art Club members Doreen Pyrch, the late Gail Froland, and Ingrid Shields. Their vision was to bring art to the forefront of the Leduc community and encourage young artists to continue their creative pursuits beyond high school. To achieve this, they integrated a student art show into the club’s annual exhibition.

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For the first two years, the event took place at the Leduc Civic Centre, where the atrium provided a stunning backdrop for the artwork. In its third year, the club decided to take the show directly to the community. With thousands of people visiting the Leduc Recreation Centre during the Black Gold Rodeo weekend, it became the perfect venue to showcase young talent.

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Each year, the Leduc Art Club connects with the Black Gold School Division and other local schools, ensuring students in grades 10, 11, and 12 have the opportunity to participate. As the competition has grown, so has community support. Increased funding from local agencies has allowed for more prizes, and a diverse panel of professional artists now juries the show. New categories continue to be introduced to reflect the ever-evolving art scene.

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The event also welcomes Grade 5 students to take part in Rodeo weekend festivities. Participating classes submit artwork, which is displayed in the main corridor and showcased on the big screen in the arena during rodeo events. One lucky class is randomly selected to receive rodeo tickets, Leduc Recreation Centre prize packages, and a class pizza party.

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The ongoing collaboration between the City of Leduc, the Leduc Recreation Centre, and the Black Gold Rodeo has been instrumental in the competition’s success. The dedication of teachers and community members has kept this event thriving—even through the challenges of COVID-19. With continued support and enthusiasm, the Aspiring Young Artists Competition is sure to inspire young creatives for years to come!