St. Lawrence College students’ artwork preserves Canadian naval history ​

Seven oil and acrylic paintings by graduating students of the Visual & Creative Arts – Fine Arts program at St. Lawrence College (SLC) are on temporary display at Naval Staff Headquarters of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) in Ottawa. Prints will be made of the works and delivered to over two dozen Navy units across Canada.

The works by Tim Currie, Lisa Nolan, Shemia Nelson, Tammy Massia, Chearra Mager, Tyler Shaw, and Rhyan-Ainsley Georgekish depict naval war heroes, the Battle of the Atlantic, the Battle of Normandy, and the flagship vessel, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Haida. These works were commissioned by the Royal Canadian Navy to help preserve and commemorate Canada’s proud naval history.Of the 11 artists in the country participating in this project, seven are SLC students.

“This project was an honour and a unique opportunity for our students. Not only did they gain experience working on a commission, including a set budget, they have the prestige of having their work held in a government collection, something most artists dream of. To be recognized by the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy for their artistic excellence on top of that is exceptional,” said program coordinator Christina Chrysler.

The RCN plans to continue this project with fine arts programs at colleges and universities in its effort to preserve Canada’s naval history. Students will receive certificates on behalf of the RCN along with RCN Commander Challenge Coins following their convocation on June 7, 2019.

“The team and I were exceptionally impressed with the talent, vision and creativity of each and every student.  I could not be more pleased with the inspired leadership and the creative direction of these talented young Canadians provided by professor Christina Chrysler. Their efforts bring a fresh perspective to the tradition of Naval art. Prints of their work will be displayed in places of honour at Navy units across Canada. On behalf of the women and men of the Royal Canadian Navy, a heartfelt thank you and Bravo Zulu,” said VAdm Lloyd. 

The Visual & Creative Arts – Fine Arts program is a two-year diploma program offered on the Brockville campus of St. Lawrence College.

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