The artwork of three Surrey students is featured in a limited-edition version of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, produced by Guildford Town Centre in support of Surrey libraries.
“We are very excited about this project,” said Peggy White, the mall’s general manager. “What a wonderful way to show what great things our youth are doing, give them the chance to create artwork for their portfolios and at the same time support a worthwhile cause – everybody wins.”
The artists who produced the storybook – under the direction of Sullivan Heights Secondary art teacher Marc Pelech – are Clayton Heights Secondary graduate Michelle Liu, Sandy Cheng, in Grade 12 at Fleetwood Park Secondary, and Shirley Liu, a Grade 12 student at Steveston-London Secondary.
Liu said the process began with selection of a Victorian style for the storyboard, and dividing up the cover and pages.
“Bit by bit, we were able to solidify our designs for Santa, and keep details like the wallpaper and outfits consistent,” she said. “As we moved into the painting stage, I noticed each of us had very different styles, requiring us to mesh together a little… adapt to each other’s styles.”
Each artwork took 10 to 15 hours to complete.
Pelech, who also photographed and edited the artworks, said it’s the first time Surrey art students have produced an illustrated storybook for publication.
The book is on sale at Guildford Town Centre customer service and all Surrey library branches for $10.
The original artwork will be on display at the mall until Dec. 22, followed by a cheque presentation by the students and a reading of the story by Santa to children at the shopping centre Dec. 23.