ArtStarts opens with Person, Place or Thing?
September 5th to October 18, 2006
Guest Contributor — Harriet Fancott
ArtStarts officially opens with an exciting exhibition of work created by young artists titled Person, Place or Thing? Investigating what it means to live in Vancouver, the artwork explores big issues in a playful way using a variety of mediums and approaches.
Picture a whimsical series of T-shirts printed with peace logos. To achieve this seemingly tranquil work, students at Henry Hudson Elementary worked with artist Sherazad Jamal to examine the serious role of art in anti-war advocacy. They began by asking how they as children could advocate for their peers in war-affected zones, and how they could make their voices heard through art. They looked at conflict in the school yard and bullying at the local level. They expanded this exploration by studying the work of child advocate Craig Kielburger and questioning local MP Hedy Fry in person about Canada's role in peace-making.
On a technical and artistic level, Sherazad introduced the class to the poster style anti-war art genre, which uses graphic design, symbolic imagery, text and colour to get the message out. Students wrapped their project by each creating their own silk screened T-shirt, which they then wore to a Vancouver peace march.
Other pieces on display include a menacing and large-scale hand-felted umbrella that explores power, youth and their urban environment; a collection of photo narratives exploring First Nations culture in the city; a banner reflecting students' personal journeys to Vancouver; and an exquisite installation by primary students that features vases, minute personal objects and photos.
ArtStarts is Vancouver's newest gallery, and the only one dedicated exclusively to art created by young people in collaboration with professional artists. The artwork for Person, Place or Thing? was created as part of a series of artist in residence programs in Vancouver schools that sought to link learning, urban issues and art. Over 600 elementary and secondary students participated in creating this inspiring work. Opus is pleased to support this inaugural exhibition with a donation of frames.
ArtStarts has three exhibitions presenting student artwork lined up for 2006-07 with a fourth in the works: Person, Place or Thing? runs until October 18th; ArtsSmarts Canada includes work from across the country and runs from October 25th to December 22nd; and Artists in Education features work from across BC and opens in January 2007.
Person, Place or Thing? shows at the ArtStarts gallery at 808 Richards (at Robson) in Vancouver from September 5th to October 18th, 2006. For more info, visit www.artstarts.com or call 604-878-7144.
ArtStarts thanks the City of Vancouver's Cultural Amenity Bonus program for making its new gallery and resource centre a reality.
ArtStarts in Schools provides innovative arts programs for young people, practical resources for teachers and artists, and leadership in advocacy for arts in education.
Photo Caption: Detail from banner.
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