Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services

Cape Dorset (July 16/01) - Place a paintbrush or a glue gun in Qupirrulaluk Padluq's hands and the world is a brighter place.

The Cape Dorset elementary school teacher and self-proclaimed arts devotee is in Iqaluit with five other student teachers from Coral Harbour and Kugluktuk.

Not only is Padluq an experienced teacher one course shy of finishing her education degree from McGill University, but she is a notorious craftsperson often seen sorting through trash for inspiration.

"Empty jars, boxes, grass, anything," she said of the affordable art supplies in Cape Dorset.

For three weeks, the education students will draw, paint, colour and cut with instructor Sharon Sutherland at Nunavut Arctic College.

Nunavut artists are incorporated into the lessons and class outings include viewing art and architecture at the legislative assembly building.

What students learn here, they take back to classrooms in the fall.

"I need to learn more ideas because it's the subject I like to teach the most," Padluq said. "A long time ago, when I was a student, all we had were pencils. That's it."

Rhoda Paliak of Coral Harbour is an advocate for Inuit teaching Inuit, whether it's art or algebra.

"There's a better understanding between teachers and students. They are more connected through language and culture," Paliak said.

Sutherland, who taught art at Inuksuk high school from 1995-99, said she's delighted to be back.

"They're learning all the basics -- lines, shapes, colour, texture, pattern -- and how to apply it to printmaking, drawing, jewelry," Sutherland said.