Blue and Gold Gallery showcases remarkable creative talents of Malden High art students

  The annual Blue and Gold Gallery was unveiled at a gala opening reception at 350 Main St., and once again it wowed the large coterie of art appreciators who flocked to the show.

  The annual art display is hosted by the Malden High Fine Arts Department with art educators Joseph Luongo, Julie Mullane, Kristina Gilbert and Melissa Sullivan shepherding the works of Malden High students. Also on hand was the founder of the show, former 24-year MHS art teacher Mary Ann Seager, who for all of her years was well known for her love of Malden High and all of its students. Malden Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ligia Noriega-Murphy was on hand for the show, as was Malden Mayor and School Committee Chairperson Gary Christenson, Malden High Principal Chris Mastrangelo, Ward 4 Councillor Ryan O’Malley, School Committee Vice Chair Jennifer Spadafora. School Committee Members Adam Weldai (Ward 5) and Keith Bernard (Ward 7) and others.

  A fixture since 2001, the art exhibition features the creations of many Malden High School art students, with dozens and dozens of artistic works from many different mediums displayed on the walls of the lobby and anteroom of the office building at 350 Main St. in the heart of Malden Square at the intersection of Route 60/Centre St., Main and Exchange Streets. This is the second year in a row the event was held (cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in both 2020 and 2021).

  Opening Night, which was held on April 6, drew over 150 art lovers primarily from Malden, as well as surrounding communities and other visitors from around the region.

  The exhibition is open to the public six days a week, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. There is no admission charge and those who visit are free to view the artwork on their own or with a small group.

  The exhibit features many different forms of art, including paintings, drawings, sketches, ceramic works and various creative sculptures. It is an eclectic mix, but one connected by Malden High School students’ love and dedication for artistic expression, according to Seager.

  Seager started the event 22 years ago, following a simple request from city officials for some MHS students to create some artwork to enhance a city event. “They made some puppets in art classes and it went over so well, we said, ‘Why not start an exhibition of the students’ art,’ and it just took off from there,” Seager said.

  “This is amazing work by our students,” Dr. Noriega-Murphy said. “It really is a fantastic showcase for our Malden High School art students to show their work.”

  “The creativity and talent of our students is no secret and this is a great opportunity for the residents of Malden and other communities to see this magnificent display first-hand,” MHS Principal Mastrangelo said.