Students from across St. Albert kick off the 11th annual visual art fundraiser on Thursday, Feb. 13 at St. Albert Centre Mall.
The fundraiser is in support of Wild North, the Northern Alberta Wildlife and Rescue Rehabilitation Centre.
Traditionally, the art show and sale has raised between $1,500 to $3,000 with 100 per cent of proceeds directed to a youth supported organization.
Every year the paintings theme is dictated by a challenge. This year the challenge was to create art featuring a symbiotic relationship between humans and nature, not one of destruction.
“A lot of the kids dealt with landscapes and animals. Kids are naturally drawn to nature imagery, and people are incorporated as gently partners. We were staying away from the apocalyptic idea and wondering what the world would look like if we work together with nature,” said Colleen Hewitt, Paul Kane art teacher and primary organizer.
St. Albert students attending 10 different local schools from kindergarten to Grade 12 to submitted 61 paintings.
Students and teachers were all given a 12-inch by 12-inch birch board panel for their design of a harmonious world.
“Kindergarten art is the most fun. They don’t have any preconceived notions. They express themselves so innocently. They have no inhibitions and don’t worry about whether they are good or not.”
Each painting is on sale for $75. To buy the art contact Hewitt at 780-459-4405 or email [email protected].
The art show opening is Feb. 13 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Take-down is Feb. 21 at 4 p.m.
Art Gallery of St. Albert
Saskatchewan visual artist Bonnie Conly is showcasing Force Field, an exhibition composed of 100 motankas at Art Gallery of St. Albert.
Motankas are talismans made from knotted fabrics. They are designed to protect the home and keep evil spirits away. They are rooted in women’s strength and their ability to keep families and communities together. As a result, many are shaped like dolls.
When Putin invaded Ukraine, Conly wished to pay tribute to the enduring strength of Ukrainian women and reacted by creating motankas. As each knot is tied, Conly made a wish for an individual, family or the country. Force Field holds thousands of Conly’s wishes for peace and understanding.
Force Field is located on the Staircase Gallery until April 26. In person tours are Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. and March 14 at noon. A Facebook Live virtual tour is on Feb. 26 at noon.
