I am visiting at the invitation of Helen Daniels, the Executive Director of ArtsConnect. Funded by the municipalities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore, and Belcarra, ArtsConnect exists to promote the arts and culture in these communities. For the past thirteen years, they have presented a fall show, entitled Innovations, with the intention of "getting artists to think outside the box ... ."

This year they are breaking new ground, since for the first time, they are partnering with Place des Arts to present a children's art show in which children will not only be the featured artists, but also the jurors and curators. The show, which is called, Kids Take Over! Idols, Icons & Heroes - a young people's art show, opens on October 14th and will run until November 5th, and with less than a month away, there is still much to do. Helen has suggested that I attend one of their weekly meetings, and I am eager to do so.

The meeting takes place in a classroom at the mezzanine level, with Helen sitting as the chair. Joining her are Shaunee Casavant, the Executive Director of Place des Arts, Jason Malanych, the Program Assistant, and six junior curators, ranging in age from "almost nine" to thirteen: Kamila Balicki, Natalie Chow, Katie Cowl, Jessica Currie, Andreya Hoy, and Elizabeth Naso. Missing today, but also part of the team is Michelle Richards, assistant to Shaunee. Quickly, the girls launch into reports of their activities since the previous meeting. Several of them recount successes they have had in garnering donations from local businesses. Opus is providing a selection of art supplies for the first place winner in each age category, but there are many other prizes to be awarded. It is impressive to hear them tell about placing phone calls and meeting store managers. Jason announces that Place des Arts has received confirmation from a large department store chain that they will contribute a twenty-five dollar gift certificate. The two girls responsible for making contact with that store, squeak happily, surprised that the answer has come so quickly.

There are posters to be mounted, refreshments to be organized (rainbow bread, fruit and veggie platters, "weird coloured dips", and hotdogs, lots of hotdogs), and roles and responsibilities to be assigned. Helen says that she will soon be able to confirm the names of the adults who will assist with the final selection and installation, and the girls ask a few questions about the jury process they will be participating in. I learn that there will be a "Curator's Corner", since it would be "unfair, in a way" if they couldn't display work of their own.

As the meeting progresses, the girls become increasingly animated, bouncing ideas from one side of the table to the other. Their enthusiasm, flexibility, and creativity are a testament to the valuable role that art education has played in their lives. Participation in programs such as those offered by Place des Arts has taught them that there are always different ways to approach something, an endless series of possibilities. Whether or not any of them goes on to pursue a career in the arts is immaterial. What is important is that they are collaborating in an exciting and innovative project where pragmatism walks hand-in-hand with creativity. Helen Daniels, ArtsConnect, and the staff of Place des Arts must be congratulated for their vision and mentorship. The girls must be applauded, not only for their many talents, but also for their wholehearted commitment to their dreams.

By the time this story is published this innovative exhibition will be up and running. We are very proud at Opus to be one of the sponsors.

Aubin van Berckel
aubin@opusframing.com

There are just a few days left to catch this exhibition, which ends November 5th. Place des Arts is located at 1120 Brunette Ave in Coquitlam, BC. For details call 604-664-1636.