From July 8 to 30, the Olde Courthouse Arts Centre will host a centennial art show to celebrate Merritt's 100th birthday.

For a few lucky Merritt Secondary School art students, this show will be their professional debut. One of the featured artists is recent high school graduate Dale Allen.

Allen took an interest in photography from a very early age, using the family camera or disposable ones to document day-to-day life. It was not until his senior years of high school that he began to realize that taking pictures wasn't just a hobby but a viable career option.

"I started taking it seriously in Grade 11," says Allen. "Mr. Cargnelli showed me things about taking pictures that I never knew existed."

Throughout his senior year, Allen continued taking photography classes along with becoming a teacher's assistant.

"I got to teach a few classes. It was fun, and it was nice to see how my students improved their photography," he says.

Gallery director Kathleen Dahlquist-Gray approached Allen along with three other students after participating in the Merritt Secondary School art show in June.

"I spoke to Ms. Dunn and told her that I would really like to profile a few of the students for the centennial show," says Dahlquist-Gray.

This summer, Allen will be working with the Smart Step program and the Merritt hockey school, as well as doing private shoots. He plans on attending the Vancouver Arts Institute in the fall of 2012.

"One of my first dreams was to work for a travel magazine," says Allen. " If that doesn't work, I'll live in a hippie van—I don't care where I am in the future as long as I'm taking pictures.

"It's a way of self expression. I have A.D.D. I can't get out thoughts when and how I want to. With a camera, it's simpler, my camera is my voice," he says.

Allen is expected to show over 18 pieces over the month, all of which will be available to be purchased through the gallery at approximately $25 a piece.

An artists' reception will be held on July 8 from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Olde Courthouse Arts Centre. If you are interested in viewing any of the artwork, the gallery is open Thursdays from 4 - 8 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.