Laura Power
Northern News Services
Published Friday, January 25, 2008

YELLOWKNIFE - "I've been here all the time, never missed one ... except when Miss Walden was gone," Damian Kayotuk said as he painted a fruit basket in the art room at William McDonald School.

Kayotuk, a Grade 6 student, is one of the regulars in the school's art club. He's one of the many students who stay behind after school three days out of six to let their creative sides loose.

Grade 7 student Corinna Mount works on an abstract drawing during Wednesday's art club session at William McDonald school. - Laura Power/NNSL photo

Grade 7 student Corinna Mount, who was working on an abstract painting, said she doesn't participate because she has to for school, but because she enjoys it.

"I have lots of chores and things, and so art gives me a chance to express myself and have a bit of free time," she said.

Grade 7 student Arielle Daniel is another young artist who enjoys the club.

"I think you get to do stuff that you're more comfortable with," she said, comparing the art club to regular school classes.

Jen Walden, art teacher at William McDonald, said she started the group when she began teaching there last year. When she was growing up, she spent a lot of her own spare time in the art room, and she wanted to give her students the same opportunity.

Now, anywhere from five to 25 students in Grades 6 to 8 show up each time the club has a session.

"The art club and what we do in it has grown," said Walden.

The school has two big events every year to help students show off their artistic potential. Next month the school will host its fine arts night, which will include drama, band and visual arts.

Walden said about 130 pieces by about 65 students will be on display. Students who participate in the art club will do about 75 per cent of the pieces. In the spring, the students will get a chance to see their work on display at Birchwood Gallery.

"It's a big deal for the kids," said Walden.

William McDonald's fine arts night will take place Tuesday, Feb. 5 starting at 7 p.m.