Take a “selfie”
Self portraits from Grades 3 to 6 remain on display in the gym after St Mary Catholic School’s Evening of Art on Tues., May 2. Sawyer Helmer photo
Kalynn Sawyer Helmer
Record Staff
CHESTERVILLE – On Tues., May 2, St. Mary Catholic School held their Evening of Art Gala during Catholic Education week. The students participated in a 10-week visual art program leading up to the event. Each student produced three works of art and chose their favourite two, to be on display for the family-friendly evening.
The students were under the direction of local artist Rose Poirier, owner of The Dreaming Heart Art Studio. The 10-week art initiative was purchased by the parent council who wanted to give the students access to a professional artist. Each class would create their visual art with Poirier for 40 minutes once a week as part of their regular curriculum.
Before getting the project underway, Principal Karen Carriere said Poirier met with the teachers to discuss how her projects could merge with the school’s visual art curriculum. Carriere said one of the most valuable things Poirier taught the students was to relax and express themselves through the artistic medium. The rest of the academic curriculum in schools often teaches students to aim for perfection but with art, Carriere said, “It doesn’t have to be perfect.” She went on to add that the lesson of originality over perfection was deeply rewarding for the students.
Carriere said the theme was, “walking forward with our families” which gave students and their families a chance to weave their way through the intricate layout of art displays.
