THUNDER BAY – Arts News – Through the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Community Arts and Heritage Education Project is creating opportunities for the community to engage in inter-generational arts projects. The projects engage seniors as participants, volunteers and arts educators. The Community Arts and Heritage Education Project is developing activities for all ages to participate in. Through creating together and sharing stories we can connect with our community.
This past summer, CAHEP hosted activities where all ages could participate- from painting panels for the construction fence at Prince Arthur’s landing, discovering more about the public art in the city’s new waterfront, or creating at public events such as Jane’s Walk, Culture Days and Doors Open as well as Riverfest and Fort William Street Fair. Successful activities with the Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre, Regional Multicultural Youth and Evergreen Neighbourhood have developed the potential for intergenerational activities.
Upcoming projects include the development of a play based on the Creation story with the Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre, and a story mapping project with the Girl Guides. In creating a life story map- a visual representation of the events and important memories of one’s life– artist Rachel Vandenassem will lead participants in sharing life stories and creating an assemblage with techniques that explore drawing, painting and collage with found objects.
Beginning in October a number of activities are open for anyone to participate.
At the Lake Superior Gallery in Victoriaville come out to create talking sticks, medicine bags or a song. On October 20th 11-3 found sticks and driftwood will be embellished with artist Derek Kahni to create a walking or talking stick.
The Talking Stick is used in aboriginal democracy, allowing all to be heard. To allow discussion during a talking circle the stick is passed around and only the person holding the stick can speak, this allows those who are shy to be heard and by consensus, the long winded don’t dominate the discussion, only the person holding the stick may allow others to interject.
Following the creating, local author Jim Stevens will share the story Angelique Abandoned– retelling survival in a frigid winter on Isle Royale as narrated by her Metis grandson.
On November 3rd- 11-2 Susan Kakepetum an artist and heritage programmer from Lac Seul First Nation will guide participants in making a medicine pouch. Susan is from the Bear clan, and a mother of 7 children, and a grandmother of 23. Susan was originally taught by her mother and has been crafting and doing regalia for years. Crafts have become a way to pass on teachings. Susan uses them as a means of relaxing and thinking things though.
Join James Wilkinson of 4am in Thunder Bay on December 1st and December 8th from 11-2 for song creation. Share stories to create lyrics and music Created works can be showcased on December 15th at the Learning Café Open Mic Night or just come out to enjoy.
The Community Arts and Heritage Eduction Project invites Grand-Others friends, relatives, neighbours- to come out and learn more about each other and create together.
Schools, community groups, interested organizations and individuals can contact CAHEP to participate at 475-6526 or info@cahep.ca