Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

School to feature local artists

There is some new art in the hallway of Myrtle Philip community school but it has not been crafted by the little hands of students.

There is some new art in the hallway of Myrtle Philip community school but it has not been crafted by the little hands of students.

Teacher Alison Hunter unveiled a work by local artist Janet Rough Young at a parent advisory council meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 14.

The painting, entitled Totem, is the first in a "painting of the month" series that has been launched by the school. The program has been designed to introduce young children to art and foster an appreciation. As Hunter told parents, children can’t learn to appreciate and understand good music and art if they never hear or see any.

The program also helps local artists gain exposure for their craft.

Hunter said lesson plans will be designed around the featured art work each month.

Young said she created Totem for the recent Artrageous event which had totems as a theme.

The totem concept will be used to teach Myrtle Philip students about the art of Northwest Coast First Nations this month. Themes may range from Haida art to spirit faces and the work of Emily Carr. Tribal cultures around the world that use totems to tell stories may be explored as well.

A package of lesson plan ideas has been given to Myrtle Philip teachers. It includes a line drawing of Young’s painting that students can colour in the style of her work. Colour reproductions will be used in the classrooms for reference.

Students will also learn how to look at the painting, ask questions about it and use it for writing ideas.

Totem will hang in the Myrtle Philip hallway until mid December.