From concept to creation
Art project encourages pride, belief in artistic abilities
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, April 2, 2014
KIVALLIQ
Fresh artistic perspectives were added to buildings in Arviat, Baker Lake and Rankin Inlet this past month.
Facilitator Pascale Arpin, from left, joins Kaytlyn Niego, Victoria Piryuaq and Marina Olayuk in giving a thumbsup to the art project at the Baker Lake Youth Dropin Centre this past week. - photo courtesy Pascale Arpin |
Project facilitator Pascale Arpin, who is also communications director for the Iqaluitbased Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association, travelled to the communities to brighten up the dropin centres in Rankin and Baker, and the community hall in Arviat, with murals created by local youths.
Arpin said the workshops attracted about 20 youths per community.
She said those who participated were aged 13 to 25, although the program was open to ages 13 to 30.
"I facilitate group brainstorming and discussion sessions in each community to come up with the concepts for the murals," said Arpin.
"The youths think about different words and themes and, eventually, through that process, they come to a consensus on what the mural will look like.
"I go into each project with absolutely no preconceived idea of what the mural will look like.
"I allow the youths to develop it one step at a time and be involved in the process every step of the way."
Arpin said she was amazed at what each group came up with.
She said sometimes creating a cohesive mural with a group can be quite difficult, but the Kivalliq youths rose to the challenge and created some amazing pieces.
"The youths sketch the agreed upon shape onto a piece of wood and I cut it out.
"So the mural is actually wood screwed onto the wall, which is quite unique.
"If a building is renovated, or if they have to change buildings, the art can be salvaged.
"I was moving quickly from one community to the next and couldn't stay to gather public reception on the work, but, so far, what I've heard about the murals has been really positive."
Arpin said the murals are so different and colourful, they breathe new life into spaces where they're mounted.
She said the Rankin drop-in centre went from having completely white walls to art everywhere, even in the bathroom.
"A huge element to this is creating a sense of pride and ownership among the youths.
"One of the highlights in every community is seeing the transformation in many of the participants.
"They can start off insecure and shy, but, the more their ideas are reinforced and they're encouraged to affirm their artistic vision, the more they believe in themselves and their abilities.
"When the project is completed, it's amazing to see the pride and excitement in them, and they share those feelings quite openly."
