ArtEd Initiatives: Getting to the Heart of Art!
ELAN’s ArtEd Program was developed to support qualified Quebec Artists to Connect with schools, to create niches for developing creativity and exploring identity and culture with students and teachers. Support from the Government of Canada’s Department of Canadian Heritage, Quebec’s Secretariat for relations with English-speaking Quebecers, and our many Arts, Community and Education sector partners and champions is making it possible for Artists to share their hearts with students this month. Experienced Artists who might otherwise not be able to access art facilitation experiences, are benefiting from ELAN’s ArtEd program support and funding.
An Exciting, Hands-On time for Schools!
Many of the new schools that participated in the Connect and Collaborate phases this fall through ACE Initiative funding and ArtistsInspire Grants now have Artists on-site. Here are a few ArtistsInspire Project Highlights:
ADELE REEVES: Mural Art at Mansonville Elementary School
Adele’s professionalism, patient way of being kept us all focused and on task… She led the groups, yet let their ideas inspire the direction of the details in the mural… and helped them create a space they are proud of. I recommend this artist to any school that needs to breathe some new life into a space.
– Mansonville teacher.
Mansonville Elementary through the stages and final artwork of a seasonal mural created with Adele Reeves. Photo courtesy of Mansonville Elementary School.
ELAN Artist Adele Reeves worked with Mansonville Elementary in the Eastern Townships School Board, to create a beautiful new mural for their cafeteria! Over four days, Adele orchestrated the painting of a large mural in thematic sections that were built upon the ideas and abilities of the students. The mural gives the students a sense of pride in the space they have created.
KERWIN BARRINGTON: Dance at Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School (PETES)
It was truly inspiring. It not only got the students thinking about dance and music in different cultures, but it also inspired me… [Kerwin] made the activities so engaging and comfortable for everyone.
– PETES teacher.
Dancer Kerwin Barrington moves with Pierre Elliot Trudeau Elementary School students! Photo by Stephanie Di Paolo.
At Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School of the Lester B. Pearson School Board in Vaudreuil-Dorion, choreographer and teacher Kerwin Barrington explored ideas of community, and the importance of being connected to our bodies through nature, dance, music and visual art. Students learned about moving with others in shared spaces and how to express themselves creatively through movement.
MAGGIE WINSTON: Puppetry at Coronation Elementary School
We greatly appreciated [Maggie’s] expertise, demeanour, her unflinching commitment and focus, her willingness to experiment, explore and follow the passions of the students.
– Coronation Science teacher.
Puppets made with the guidance of Maggie Winston, in performance! Photo courtesy of Coronation Elementary School.
ArtistsInspire puppetry artist Maggie Winston worked with grades 3 and 4 students and the Robotics Club at Coronation Elementary School (English Montreal School Board). Students constructed different types of puppets, and collaborated with classmates to create short presentations incorporating design, story, characterization, animation, and scene changes!
For more ELAN ArtEd stories, and regular updates on the hands-on creative experiences taking place in English schools across the province, follow our Facebook and Instagram posts (@ELANArtEd, #elanarted #elanace #artistsinspire #TeachLearnHelp).