Artwork created by Prince Rupert students in the After School Sport and Art Initiative was put on display last week, showcasing just how much artistic talent there is within the school district.
To mark the conclusion of the After School Sport and Art Initiative this year, Roosevelt Park Community School hosted an art show on May 7 to flaunt all of the pieces created by the Grades 4 to 8 students who partook in the extracurricular activity.
“The purpose of the art show is to showcase the art ... and let their parents see how truly talented their kids are,” explained Linda Hikida, manager of the After School Sport and Arts Initiative.
“I hope the students got positive self-esteem and confidence in what they can do because of this initiative.”
This year, children from all elementary schools within the district and some middle school students signed up for the program, getting to learn about various art mediums from three local artists before trying their hand at a number of projects.
First Nations artist Nakkita Trimble led Grades 4 and 5 students in the creation of totem poles and a First Nations House Front that will be displayed at Lax Kxeen.
“I explained to them how much doing First Nations art means to the people in the community and elders ... so to see them very patiently and very meticulously go through every line and stroke made me very proud,” Trimble said.
Nicole Best Rudderham guided lessons on varying mediums in a number of schools throughout the program this year, including at Pineridge Elementary. Students Samuel Costa and Claire Shepherd said they had fun painting and mixing colours under Rudderham’s instruction.
“It’s a good thing for people to learn how to do art,” said Shepherd, a Grade 4 student at Pineridge.
“I would be happy if my friends signed up next year,” said Costa, a Grade 5 student at Pineridge.
Lynn Kerr Cociani worked with Grades 4 and 5 students at both Lax Kxeen and Port Edward Elementary, along with Grades 6, 7 and 8 at Prince Rupert Middle School.
“I was happy with how the kids took chances and explored the projects, and how they all incorporated their own personalities into their work. They created many beautiful pieces and many that were interesting and thought-provoking,” explained Kerr Cociani.