Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Arviat (Mar 20/02) - Staff and students at Levi Angmak elementary school in Arviat are slowly being surrounded by colourful images of Inuit culture and tradition.

A total of nine beautiful works of art now adorn the halls of the school.

Seven of the paintings were done by local artists, while two others are a collaborative effort of Grade 5 elementary and high school students.

Levi Angmak principal Steve Handspiker says the artistic project was started at the elementary school in September 2000 as a means of showcasing local artists' work.

He says the program also allows elementary students to work with their high school counterparts to create and display their own work throughout the school.

"By displaying the work of local artists in the school, you develop a sense of respect in the students towards their culture and traditions," says Handspiker.

"It also creates a real sense of pride in the school for the achievements of local artists. The project shows the kids they also have real artistic talents."

The art program is far from over.

Local artist Donald Uluadluak Sr. is working on completing five more pieces to hang in the school.

Qitiqliq high school arts teacher Crystal Burgess has been helping with the co-operative projects between the high school and elementary students.

Handspiker says when the artwork first started going up on the walls of the school, everybody stood back and took notice.

He says once the project is complete, most of the elementary students will have been involved in one form or another, and local artwork will be displayed in every nook and cranny throughout the elementary school.

"Once we reach that stage, we're going to look at featuring other local artists' work such as wall hangings and other items.

"The program has been so popular with our students and the artists involved -- everyone who has seen the finished work for that matter -- that we hope to continue it for some time yet."