Online Reporter
Youth Interactive Writer
ST JOHN’S High School (Emerald Hill) celebrated its 100th anniversary with a refreshing art exhibition this week.
Dubbed the “Take a Second Look” exhibition, it ran from September 22 to 25.
The event, attended by other Harare schools and stakeholders, ran from 9am to 3.30pm and was widely regarded as a triumph.
St John’s High School Art president Tanaka Karombo (15) could not hide his elation after being associated with the school’s milestone in his speech.
“It is my honour to welcome you to the opening night of our art exhibition, ‘Take a Second Look.’ Tonight, we gather not only to celebrate art but also to mark a historic moment—100 years of our school’s existence.
“A century filled with both successes and failures, lessons learned, and the determination to continue improving. This exhibition is part of that celebration, a reminder that our journey, like art, is always evolving,” he remarked.
Karombo saluted their art teacher, Luke Nyamuzinga, for empowering students through art.
“This is also a special milestone for us as art students. It is the third exhibition since our art teacher, Mr. Nyamuzinga, joined us in 2023, and it stands as proof that we intend to keep the torch of creativity burning brightly for years to come.“The works you see tonight are the result of countless hours of dedication, both in the studio and during our art camp at Victoria Falls. The breathtaking views of the Falls inspired many of our pieces, but the camp was more than just painting and sketching. Each day began with a morning jog, followed by devotion before breakfast, and it ended with an evening devotion.
“Our days were filled with early mornings, late nights, and challenging tasks that pushed us to meet our daily goals. It was tough, but it was also rewarding. Through this experience, we learned teamwork, discipline, and how to exist as one group and share ideas,” he shared.
Karombo added:“This year’s camp was also unique because we were joined by the Food and Nutrition students who embarked on a professional journey at one of the leading restaurants in Victoria Falls. They experienced the pressures and demands of the food industry firsthand. Meanwhile, we travelled around town, meeting local artists and learning from diverse modern and traditional art techniques. “This cultural exchange deepened our appreciation and understanding of Zimbabwe’s artistic landscape and enriched the works you see displayed tonight.
“So, what does it mean to take a second look? Behind every brushstroke lies more than color—it holds our emotions, our stories, and our perspectives as young artists. We invite you, as you walk through the exhibition, to pause, reflect, and discover what lies beyond the surface. Sometimes, what seems ordinary at first glance reveals extraordinary meaning when you take the time to look again.”
He also hailed their school administration for allowing them to express their talents using art.“We are deeply grateful to our school leadership for their guidance, to our teachers for their encouragement, to our art teacher for his continued support, and especially to our parents—who push us to dream bigger, work harder, and see the world differently. Without you, this exhibition would not have been possible.”
Students interacted with guest of honuor Givean Thomu, who uses his mouth to paint. He encouraged them to take art seriously, urging them to take a cue from him, as he can still paint using his mouth despite being amputated on both hands.
Teachers from various schools embraced Thomu, who has been empowering art students willing to learn.
For this successful exhibition, Mr. Nyamuzinga was credited for allowing learners to express themselves using their God-given talents.
dyton mupawaenda