youth projects/sample
qathet artraven
qathet ArtRaven was an exploration of interpretations in human and non-human communication through arts based collaboration delivered in a series of direct experience workshops, research and installation.
Creating access to children’s stories through the exploration of different media was integral to this project. The emphasis on speaking or talking raises questions as to how meaning is created and conveyed. The concept of meaning in Western science seems especially human, since most semiotic modes of communication presuppose a human mindset. And yet language is just one mode of expression and like other meaningful acts, it is rooted in the environment and all those dependent on it.
Participants were guided to pay keen attention to different voices (trees, shells, plants, people) and openness to the sound of languages that we might not understand, including indigenous language rooted in the land. Enacting this communication means suspending the grammar and style regime, and listening to murmurs and reverberations, repetitions, and pauses. The openness of each participant to listen to each other and the environment will be encouraged and significant to understand different and various perspectives, both human and non-human.Workshops took place at Millenium Park and Haywire Bay Regional Park. Exhibition of work opened on July 18, 2019
land and lake
The Lake and Land project started in the spring of 2018. It is a multi-media exhibit created by the School District 47 grade 6 student cohort in partnership with artists Claudia Medina and Megan Dulcie Dill. The project took place in the forest and shoreline around Powell Lake at the Outdoor Learning Centre in Powell River, BC with outdoor educators Karin Westland and Hugh Prichard. Approximately 160 students worked in an immersive exploration through art during weekly sessions over 4 months. The project resulted in a multimedia public art exhibition at The Art Centre, public art gallery in June 2018 where the students, friends, family and general public were invited.
Through sculpture, photography, audio, and collage, this exhibit conveyed students’ perspectives on their connection to Powell River, specifically the lake and land that enriches all of our lives in the area. Once called the Tee-skwat River and now called Powell River and Lake, students shared their understanding of the historic and current relationships between the inanimate and the people, the plants, and the animals of that place. The exhibition had multiple projections, audio, collage and sculpture and included an interactive sand table showing changing land contours and topography as well as a Tla’amin Place Name mapping project a partnership with Tla’amin Nation and the PR Museum. Food was provided with support from the PR United Way.
ACTIVE TRANSIT
Active Transit Mapping at: Brooks Highschool, Westview Elementary, Edgehill Elementary, Kelly Creek Elementary, James Thomson Elementary, Henderson Elementary
*Students share stories about cycling and walking to school/interactions with the environment
A team of educators worked with highschool students to mentor elementary students in this youth active transit project. The project was broken into 4 parts:
designing a bike rack (some were turned into public art/Colin Macrae) project video here
cycling skills and safety
storytelling/students share stories about cycling and walking to school/interactions with the environment /Listen to Active Transit Mapping stories 2 minutes
Mapping routes with stories/the maps:
3D mapping: creating land contours
