Beyond the Surface: SKSS Students Explore Water Through Art

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Story Provided by Lisa Yamaoka, SKSS Visual Arts Teacher

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the South Kamloops Secondary School (SKSS) Visual Arts Department’s annual calendar program. This year’s calendar artworks are inspired by the importance and beauty of our abundant water sources in Kamloops and the surrounding area.  

This fall, more than 50 visual art students embarked on a creative exploration of the vital role water plays in our community. The project began with an educational session led by Jaimi Garbutt, Sustainability Educator for the City of Kamloops, who introduced students to the movement and management of local water systems.

Throughout this process, students explored a range of artistic styles as a way to connect with the community and share their learning. Following a field trip to Peterson Creek and studio practice back in the classroom, each student artist produced an original acrylic painting inspired by their personal experiences.

On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, SKSS students and families celebrated the opening of the Beyond the Surface art show in the Sagebrush Theatre gallery, where student artwork will be on display until December 5, 2025.

In addition, the SKSS Visual Arts students build community connections by sharing their artwork at The Residence at Orchard’s Walk (December 10–January 25), where students curate and install the exhibit.

Each year, the goal of SKSS annual calendar program is to publish an annual calendar featuring students' paintings as a fundraiser to support artist workshops in the classroom, spring exhibitions, and future student initiatives. The 2026 Beyond the Surface SKSS art calendars are available for purchase at The Art We Are, Kamloops Art Gallery, and the SKSS Main Office.

In the District Strategic Plan, SD73 is committed to helping students develop multiliteracies (print, visual, music, digital, drama) as part of the Intellectual Development Priority to share their talents and to explore career pathways.