Ashley Zver-Volel & Severina Gachparova, Communications: Art, Media,Theatre

"Curating the Henry Lehmann Gallery has been an enormous privilege."

The Henry Lehmann Gallery, located in the heart of the Communications: Art, Media and Theatre (CAMT) department, is a student-run exhibition space that offers a professional experience to both the student curators and the student artists. For curator Severina Gachparova and assistant Ashley Zver-Volel looking after the gallery has been the highlight of their studies at Vanier.

A varied program

"I came to Vanier for the CAMT program," says Ashley, "because it offered more art forms and techniques than similar programs in other Cegeps." "I started out in Social Science," explains Severina. "Then I took some complementary classes in photography and discovered I was better than I expected. My teacher, Afshin Matlabi, noticed my work and encouraged me to consider making a program change. So I did."

Learning to think critically about art and society

It's clear that both young women made the right choice. "Communications teachers do more than teach art," both girls exclaim. "They help you think critically and conceptually. They help build you up as an individual and as an artist. Art must remain conceptual, and in our program we've learned how to deconstruct our own work which must evoke an idea that is worth looking at."

Choosing works that represent Vanier and the CAMT program

These concepts about art are important for the work they do in the gallery. "We must be critical. When we select art works for exhibition, we are validating an idea and when we decide what can go on our walls, we are choosing works that represent Vanier and our program."

The best part of Vanier: working in the Gallery

When asked what they have enjoyed most about Vanier, both declare "Working in the Gallery!" Severina states that "It kept me here." As with many young people in Cegep, finding herself was not easy and in spite of making a program change, Severina was still not happy. Many students obsess about getting jobs, but I wanted something more creative. I was on the verge of leaving Cegep when I heard about the job of curator. So I applied. I had to meet with teachers and be interviewed but after I got the job, things picked up. I got to work closely with several teachers such as Henri Venne, Keith Orkusz, and Dan Stefik. It was a great team."

Being a curator

To be curators, Ashley and Severina underwent training and read a lot on curating. "I love art history, so it was great and with all the reading and relating modern works to the history of art, I got my portion of intellectual satisfaction," says Severina with a satisfied smile.

Ashley feels the same way. "I was a little unhappy as well, but helping curate the gallery has marked my experience at Vanier. It's been such a beautiful experience. It's the biggest privilege I've had in my young adult life."

Learning to work together and not compete with each other

Ashley and Severina barely knew each other before working at the gallery. "We're both very opinionated and have strong personalities," they exclaim with a laugh. "At first we clashed – we're both leaders.

We're ambitious and we were used to working alone or to running things. But our teacher Keith told us not to be competitive. It was good advice because we learned to work together and we form a very high level team!"

Curating – having the pleasure of art without the stress

For Severina, who always loved art, the anxiety of being an artist did not attract her. But curating allowed her the pleasure of art without the anxiety of the artist who must internalize the world and produce a work.

Seeing new trends in art

"I love getting to know the artists," says Ashley. "As a curator working with young artists, I get the first look at what's new in art and what's coming in the future. I get a preview of where art is heading. I love it!"

Next stop: Concordia University

Both young women are now headed for Concordia University: Severina in Art History and Ashley in Honours Urban Planning. "I want to go to the root of what art is. I'm curious and excited," says Severina. "Who knows, someday I may curate professionally." As for Ashley, she explains, "I'm interested in many things. Eventually I may study architecture, interior design or urban landscape planning."

Getting the most out of Cegep

"Don't make school a habit. Explore other departments. Go to events. Try things. Spend time alone as well as with others. Learn about yourself. And get to know your teachers. The connection with them can be invaluable. They are the source to help you get the most out of Cegep. They can open your eyes and help you get there."