Page 2 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, April 17, 2026 ~ Excellence in the Malden Public Schools ~ CREATIVE ALLURE: Blue and Gold Art Gallery kicks off spring for MHS art students; 25th Anniversary this year! Dozens of creations by Malden High artists on display at Malden Square business lobby through May By Steve Freker T he annual Blue and Gold Gallery turned 25 this year and was unveiled at a gala opening reception. Once again it wowed the large gathering of art appreciators who attended the reception and viewing. The annual art display is hosted by the Malden High Fine Arts Department with art educators Kristina Gilbert, Courtney Gould. Eli Shalan, Michaela Ilebode, Gina Yu and Breanne Mahoney, who oversaw the creation and then display of the artworks of Malden High students. Malden Mayor and School Committee Chairperson Gary Christenson, 350 Main St. building owner John Preotle, of Preotle, Lane & Associates, Malden Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Timothy Sippel, Malden High Principal Chris Mastrangelo and MPS Director of Social Studies and Fine Arts Gerard Tanetta were on hand for the show, along with Ward 5 School Committee member Elizabeth Hortie and others. A fixture since 2001, the art exhibition features the creations of many Malden High School art students, with dozens and dozens of artistic works from many Malden High School (MHS) student Sophia Zhang (center) was presented an “Academic Excellence Award” from the MHS Art Department for her contribution to The Immigrant Learning Center’s Teen Perspectives on Immigration Contest. Presenting the award, from left, were MHS Principal Chris Mastrangelo, MHS art educator Gina Yu and Superintendent of Schools Timothy Sippel, Ed.L.D. (Courtesy/Malden Public Schools) 50 Postercard art by Malden High students (Courtesy/Malden Public Schools) Ceramic art on display at the Blue and Gold Gallery (Courtesy/Malden Public Schools) All lined up for display are these student artworks. (Courtesy/Malden Public Schools) different mediums displayed on the walls of the lobby and anteroom of the office building at 350 Main St. in the heart of Malden Square at the intersection of Route 60/Centre Street, Main and Exchange Streets. Opening Night, which was held on April 7, drew over 120 art lovers primarily from Malden, as well as surrounding communities and other visitors from around the region. The exhibition is open to the public six days a week, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. There is no admission charge and those who visit are free to view the artwork on their own or with a small group. The exhibit features many different forms of art, including paintCREATIVE | SEE PAGE 5
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