A Peep into Queensland Academy’s Big Investment …Why School is Catching Them Young

Ronke Kehinde/

Queensland Academy is offering a glimpse into the evolution of some artistic genius on Saturday.

The school is exhibiting works of promising art students who are toeing the path of Picasso, Dali, Durer and Michelangelo, who started at a tender age and delivered world renowned masterpieces in their teens and twenties.

NewsmakersNG was present at a preview today for a taste of what’s coming up on Saturday. It was an impressive array of works in various medium rendered by pupils from age six to 15. They have been molded, by the Academy, into strong artists who can compete favorably anywhere in the world.

The show on Saturday, entitled ‘Catch Them Young’ is Queensland Academy’s second edition. It’s an art exhibition of drawings, paintings, sculptures, ceramics, prints, and textiles designs, craft and fashion, opening at the school hall, on Ebem-Oha Street, off Okota Road, Isolo, by 10am.

The school coordinator, Mr Omotosho Afolabi, said: “Art is in every area of our lives and it takes a great and good thinker to come up with a beautiful work of art.”

Dr. Kunle Adeyemi, the Dean, Faculty of Arts and Design, Yaba College of Technology, spoke at the preview thanking the management Queensland Academy for giving art a chance.

He said the college was investing so much on students and it’s an investment for life.

His words: “Most of the students who have left the school have won laurels in one way or the other.

“Beginning of the world started with art. Art is life. God is a great Artist. Everything He created is beautiful. Art is in every facet of life; medicine, engineering, teaching and so on.”

Mr. Osasame Nosirime, one of the art teachers and coordinators, said this year’s exhibition would mark the 30^th anniversary of the school.

The first edition was in 2013 and one of the leading exhibitors, Omoiyola Ayomikun, got national recognition. She was invited to Aso Rock to meet President Goodluck Jonathan.

Those participating in the ‘Catch Them Young’ show include: Princess Enebeli in primary class. She painted ‘A Group of Dancers’. The dancers join hands to form love. She says there is love in dancing together.

Adebalogun Quadri, a year eleven student, painted ‘Traditional Woman ‘, ‘Life of a Mother’, and ‘Celebration Time’ among many of his works. His Dad is an artist, so he taught him to paint.

Ekhogbai Gerald Goodness works in Relief Collage. He was inspired by natural environment and physical features. He used strolls, plastic bottles, bottles covers, thread and plywood. He said he wanted to encourage recycling because nothing should be thrown away. He wants to be an engineer in future.

Chukwu Ekene and Ife Davies both in SSS classes made Tie & Dye.

Ezennia Ifeoma, a basic five pupil, painted ‘Beauty of Neighbour’ inspired by love of different colours.

Ifunnaya Nwakena of basic six created ‘The Drummer’, a sculptural piece.

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