Malden High School student art featured at 22nd Annual Blue & Gold Art Gallery

Talented students’ creations will be on display; Reception on Thursday, April 6 at 6:00 p.m.

  One of the highlights of the Malden High School year is the annual Blue & Gold Gallery. This year’s month-long-plus art show, featuring a variety of artistic creations by Malden High art students, will kick off with a reception on Thursday, April 6 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at 350 Main St. at the intersection of Main, Centre (Rt. 60) and Exchange Streets. Malden Mayor Gary Christenson and Malden Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ligia Noriega-Murphy will be on hand to address the student artists and educators who have put together this year’s show. The Mayor will also be congratulating Malden High students who were winners of Gold and Silver Keys from the statewide competition of the Boston Scholastic Art Show.

  This is the second year back for the free art show, after being postponed in the 2020 and 2021 school years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, Opening Night drew over 150 art lovers primarily from Malden, as well as surrounding communities, and other visitors from around the region.

  The 2023 Blue & Gold Gallery will run from Opening Night, Thursday, April 6 until Thursday, May 11. The work consists of drawing, painting, digital art and ceramics. 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 Combined Properties office building. 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 many different forms of art include 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 Julie Mullane, who is coordinating this year’s show along with fellow MHS art teacher Joseph Luongo and the other art educators at the school.

  The event was started 23 years ago by former MHS art educator Mary Ann Seagerm – who retired at the end the 2021-22 school year – following a 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.