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CREATIVE ALLURE: Blue and Gold Art Gallery kicks off spring for MHS art students; 25th Anniversary this year!

Dozens of creations by Malden High artists on display at Malden Square business lobby through May

By Steve Freker

The annual Blue and Gold Gallery turned 25 this year and was unveiled at a gala opening reception. Once again it wowed the large gathering of art appreciators who attended the reception and viewing. The annual art display is hosted by the Malden High Fine Arts Department with art educators Kristina Gilbert, Courtney Gould. Eli Shalan, Michaela Ilebode, Gina Yu and Breanne Mahoney, who oversaw the creation and then display of the artworks of Malden High students. Malden Mayor and School Committee Chairperson Gary Christenson, 350 Main St. building owner John Preotle, of Preotle, Lane & Associates, Malden Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Timothy Sippel, Malden High Principal Chris Mastrangelo and MPS Director of Social Studies and Fine Arts Gerard Tanetta were on hand for the show, along with Ward 5 School Committee member Elizabeth Hortie 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 Street, Main and Exchange Streets. Opening Night, which was held on April 7, drew over 120 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 the organizers.

Former longtime Malden High art educator Maryanne Seager started the event some 25 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 told The Advocate.

“WOW! What an amazing display by our students,” Dr. Sippel said in remarks to the audience as part of a brief opening reception. “It really is a fantastic opportunity for our Malden High School art students to show their work.”

Malden High Principal Chris Mastrangelo noted that this is the first display since the substantial increase in the number of art educators on staff (from three to six this school year) and the art classes, in general. “The creativity and talent of our students is something that is brought out all year in our art instruction,” Mastrangelo said, “even more so this year, with the expansion of our art department.”

Mastrangelo also thanked the owner of the 350 Main St. office building, John Preotle, for hosting the event. “Mr. Preotle’s generosity knows no bounds in providing this venue for our students to display their art. We are eternally grateful for all that he does,” Mastrangelo said.

In addition to sketch art, painting, digital art and calligraphy as mediums, Malden art students also can learn ceramics and other hands-on mediums in their classes.

In addition to greetings at the opening reception and a free, tasty buffet of appetizers for the guests, there was a presentation made to an outstanding Malden High art student. Sophia Zhang was presented an Academic Excellence Award from the Malden High School Art Department for her artistic design she contributed to The Immigrant Learning Center’s 2025-2026 Teen Perspectives on Immigration Contest. Supt. Sippel and Principal Mastrangelo were joined by MHS art educator Gina Yu in making the presentation.