MOOSE JAW — Vanier Collegiate’s Fine Arts Café returned recently, offering an evening of music, drama, dance, and visual art in a celebration of student creativity and spirit.
The event, hosted in Sion Hall and beginning at 7 p.m., was organized by Vanier’s Outreach group — a student-led social justice club — with the support of faculty and fine arts staff.
“This is something we’ve traditionally held every year, but it hadn’t happened since 2022,” said teacher and supervising staff member Kenna Whelan. “We had a large group graduating from Outreach this year — many of them very involved in the arts — and they really wanted to bring it back.”
Whelan explained that the evening was not only about performance, but about building a “positive, safe environment” where students could express themselves and connect through the arts.
The lineup included musical performances from the school’s choir and newly formed chamber choir, drama scenes, solo acts, and an announcement revealing next year’s musical production, The Hello Girls — a dramatic reveal not traditionally part of the café night.
“We thought tonight would be a really nice night to do that,” Whelan said. “A lot of the students performing are also in the musical and were excited to be part of the announcement.”
Visual art was another key feature. Throughout the space, artwork from students in the school’s visual art program was displayed. Some students created pieces live during the event, including mural work and costume design.
“Mrs. Kammer, our art teacher, has some brilliant artists in her program,” Whelan added. “It’s just a nice evening to highlight student talent.”
Grade 12 student Praizelle Gumacal was among the performers. A member of both the main choir and newly formed chamber choir, she described the event as “a great time.”
“The crowd was great,” Gumacal said. “We’re a small group — about 10 people — and we performed some covers, like ‘Breakaway.’ We’re a tight-knit group, and it’s a great community.”
Gumacal, who also participated in Vanier musicals for four straight years, said she was thrilled to see the return of the Fine Arts Café in her final year of high school.
“I was in Grade 9 in 2022 when it was last held, and now it’s back in my Grade 12 year,” she said. “It really showcases how artistic Vanier is. People talk about sports, but we also have amazing individual talent in the arts.”
When asked about her favourite moment, she pointed to a performance by her friend, Grade 12 student Shiloh Gonzalez.
“She wrote all her songs herself,” Gumacal said. “She’s a great artist and singer, and I’m so proud of her. I’ve known her since kindergarten, and she’s pursuing art studies now at the U of R — probably animation.”
As for her own future, Gumacal said she plans to study International Studies at the University of Saskatchewan with the goal of pursuing a career in immigration law.
“I’m not really artistic myself,” she said with a laugh, “but I’ve loved being part of this community.”
Vanier Collegiate is located at 324 MacDonald Street. For more information, visit Vanier.HTCSD.ca.
