Galt students take on the world… of editorial cartoons

This fall the arts concentration class at Alexander Galt Regional High School is doing a study focused on different types of illustration. As a part of that work, and in keeping with the local art teachers’ efforts to bring their students work out into the wider world, one student from the class will be submitting an editorial cartoon to The Record each week for the next several weeks.

Beginning today, and continuing each Friday until the class has completed its project, the paper will be handing over its editorial cartoon box to a young local artist who will aim to make fun of, give their opinion on or provoke thought about individuals or current events.

In their search for inspiration, the students in April Blampied’s art class are being encouraged to research local current events and take note of what topics are really getting a lot of attention in the local community. At the same time they are being encouraged to look at different examples of political and editorial cartoons to get a sense of how elements like caricature, symbolism, irony, and humour can be used to present a big idea in a simple yet thought provoking way. Ultimately subject of the artwork and the form it takes are up to each student.

For this first week the artist, Léa Côté, drew her inspiration from Coalition Avenir Quebec MNA Claude Surprenant’s removal from his party’s caucus in January over questionable expense claims.

Check back next Friday for another student’s take on the issues that are facing our communities, province, country, or world today.