Little Hearts, Big Art at LaSalle Jr.
by Dan Mullins
On a sunny May evening, LaSalle Junior Elementary opened its doors to families and friends for its first solo Art Expo—an event filled with colour, and the excitement of young artists seeing their work on display.
Titled Little Hearts, Big Art, the exhibition featured artworks from students in K4 through Grade 2, including those in the school’s SEED daycare program. The theme of creativity and imagination came to life through artist studies, seasonal pieces, clay animals, collaborative installations, and works using recycled and natural materials. A rainbow motif linked the different sections of the show, appearing throughout the hallways as a visual thread.
“It’s a mixed media show—pastel, tempera, clay, watercolour,” said art teacher Emilie Eberlin-Timmons, who co-organized the event with teacher Marie Vecchiarelli.
“We’ve covered holidays, seasons, and we studied artists like Mondrian and Dali. There’s a bit of everything.”
Visitors were welcomed by smiling staff, walls full of art, and also by activity stations in the gymnasium: a photobooth, face painting, a bake sale, colouring station, book sale, and even a professional caricature artist—all contributing to the festive, community-focused atmosphere.
This was the first time LaSalle Junior held the event independently of its senior campus, allowing the younger students to fully shine. “It’s really our building,” said Principal France Poirier. “And tonight, it’s filled with joy.”
Much of the setup happened the night before, with teachers and staff staying late to ensure everything was ready. “It was a huge team effort,” Eberlin-Timmons said. “But totally worth it.”
If the evening’s smiles and impromptu family photo shoots were any indication, the little artists of LaSalle Junior left a big impression.
