News & Events

Building a better tomorrow through art: Inclusive Education art show

It’s a first ever: a cross-district art exhibit that celebrates the work of students with diverse needs! Students from NWSS will be displaying their work, alongside students from high schools in both Burnaby and Vancouver.

On Friday May 6th, from 5:30-7:30, you can meet the artists, see their work and help celebrate this multi-district initiative!

This event, “Celebrating the Student Artists: Building A Better Tomorrow Through Art,” will be taking place at the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre in Yaletown. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible. Tickets are free, but are limited and must be booked in advance as they will be checked at the door: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/celebrate-the-student-artists-building-a-better-tomorrow-through-art-tickets-298935984577
*Dress code: semi-formal

The lessons that formed the NWSS submissions were led by Sarah Lynes, Curriculum Facilitator for Inclusive Education. Here’s how she characterized the process and themes:

During three visual art workshops students explored various themes and used various mediums to express themselves. The lessons were created with the goal of teaching the visual art elements combined with the big ideas presented in the BC numeracy and literacy curriculum.  The abstract string painting technique was introduced after teaching the concepts of symmetry and asymmetry. Students reflected on the use of digital symmetry after watching the OK Go Pilobolus Dance All Is Not Lost video and learning about symmetry and asymmetry in nature. The felt on paper art workshop was inspired by Metis Felt Artwork. As inspiration, students were shown photos of the collaborative felt artwork created by Indigenous artists for the Brodie Street Library in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Aspects of nature were explored while experimenting with shape, space, and texture. The collage mixed media art continued to explore the relationship between humans and the natural world.

For those unable to attend the formal event on May 6th, the exhibit is open to the public during BC Youth Week, from May 3rd to May 7th (tickets are not required outside of the formal event, please check operating hours for The Roundhouse).

 


Curriculum Facilitator Sarah Lynes also wanted to thank other staff who supported this project and who continue to support the student artists: “The three NWSS teachers involved in co-teaching these lessons were: Stephanie Subject, Judy Sinclair and Jessy Sahota. Many thanks to Bruce Cunnings, Director of Instruction-Learning Services, and the NWSS Administration for supporting this project. Thank you to Karen Bower, and the NWSS support staff, who encourage and celebrate our students in their creative endeavors.”