"In Bloom," A Retrospective Art Exhibit Featuring Local High School Art Students

Vivid oil paintings, breath-taking photos, and detailed ceramics are a few of the unique art pieces that are currently on exhibit in the Lyndsley Wilkerson Gallery on the first floor of the Sorenson Center for Clinical Excellence (SCCE). The gallery is hosting “In Bloom,” a retrospective art exhibit featuring art pieces from students at Ridgeline High School in Cache Valley.

Ridgeline art students who are currently enrolled in Jaycie Self’s (art), Dave Christopherson’s (ceramics), and Tiffany Torrey’s (photography) classes have the opportunity to showcase a variety of work in several different mediums. This year’s exhibit is the fifth show for the school art program and features work from 35 students.

"It's incredible to see students have their art displayed in this lovely space,” said Self. “For most students with work exhibited, it’s the first time their art has been displayed publicly and the confidence they gain from seeing their work in a professional setting is priceless.”

Initially, the partnership began in 2018 when SCCE clinic operations manager, Emily McWhinney, reached out to Self and expressed an interest in featuring some of the art students’ pieces in the gallery. Self and the other instructors jumped at the opportunity for the students to showcase their work at Utah State University. Since then, Ridgeline has been asked back every year.

“The work from the Ridgeline High School art program always exceeds my expectations,” McWhinney shared. “I was especially pleased with this year’s exhibit as the students took the lead on ‘In Bloom’ and, as always, left me astounded by their talent. I love seeing the different perspectives on the ‘In Bloom’ theme, including works depicting individuals at various stages of development, which fits well with the Sorenson Center for Clinical Excellence as it is focused on serving Utahns across the lifespan.”

The exhibit came together with the help of many incredible individuals from the Ridgeline art program. The faculty curated the show while the team of student volunteers gathered to hang and display the art pieces.

“I love being able to express my love of art,” said Ridgeline art student Claire Turpin. “Displaying it in an art show where I can share that passion with viewers is an amazing experience as an artist.”

Danni Blankenship, another art student, added, “Seeing my art in a professional gallery is magical. I put so much of myself into the art I make and for it to be appreciated like that means the world to me. I’ve also been greatly inspired by my classmates and their work, which helps me improve my own."

Featuring pieces created by the high school art students, “In Bloom” will be open for viewing during the Lyndsley Wilkerson Gallery’s regular hours through January 25.