FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 8, 2010, St. John’s – The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC) awarded $24,965 in grants to 43 projects through the Visiting Artist Program (VAP) between September 2009 and January 2010.
Schools apply for VAP funding to bring artists, groups of artists, or arts organizations into the school to work with students in a wide variety of artistic disciplines. Projects are generally short term, ranging from a couple of hours to a few days. They may include activities such as performances, readings, or hands-on artistic workshops.
Some of the artists who have recently taken part in VAP projects include actor and musician Sean Panting who lead theatre workshops with students at the Murphy Centre in St. John’s; storyteller Eleanor Benjamin who presented a storytelling workshop to students at St. James All Grade School in Lark Harbour (as part of their Newfoundland and Labrador Studies course); and visual artist Tia Connolly who led students at Holy Family Elementary School in Chapel Arm in a anti-bullying project that explored the theme “don’t laugh at me” through print-making and painting.
“It’s wonderful to see all the creative projects schools are initiating through this program,” says Reg Winsor, executive director of the NLAC. “Students are getting first-rate instruction from some of the province’s most accomplished artists. They encourage students to approach their studies in new and creative ways, and explore challenging issues, such as bullying, through artistic expression.”
The program is supported through a partnership with the Cultural Connections Strategy of the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Education, the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association (NLTA), and the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC).
Media Contact:
Janet McDonald
Communications Officer
Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council
Phone: (709) 726-2212
Toll free: 1 (866) 726-2212 (NL only)
jmcdonald@nf.aibn.com
The NLAC is a non-profit Crown agency created in 1980 by The Arts Council Act. Its mission is to foster and promote the creation and enjoyment of the arts for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The Council is governed by a volunteer board of 13 appointed by government, reflecting regional representation of the province. This includes 10 professional artists who provide sectoral representation of the arts community; one community representative (with an interest in the arts); one business representative (with an interest in the arts); and one representative of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation (non-voting). The NLAC receives an annual grant from the Province to support a variety of granting programs, program delivery, office administration, and communications. It also seeks support from the public and private sector. It supports the following artistic disciplines: dance, film, multidiscipline, music, theatre, visual art, and writing.
Visiting Artist Program
Grants Awarded from September 2009 – January 2010
February 8, 2010
Total awarded: $24,965
Total projects: 43
Gonzaga High School
St. John’s
$700
February 2-5, 2010
Visual artist Susan Furneaux is working with 90 students in levels I-III as part of their clothing and textile course. They will create original textile pieces using the felting process.
Gonzaga High School
St. John’s
$700
February 2-May 2, 2010
Visual artist Susan Furneaux is working with 94 students in levels I-III as part of their visual art course. Students will design and create original textile pieces using the felting process. The finished works will be displayed in the school’s Learning Resource Centre.
Holy Cross Junior High
St. John’s
$500
February 26, 2010
Ray Lake will present Up the Harbour Down the Shore to 56 grade 8 students. This unique presentation is an exploration of Newfoundland and Labrador history and traditional life through songs and a power point presentation.
I.J. Samson Junior High
St. John’s
$500
December 9, 2009
Ray Lake presented Up the Harbour Down the Shore to 97 grade 8 students. This unique presentation is an exploration of Newfoundland and Labrador history and traditional life through songs and a power point presentation.
Lakecrest School
St. John’s
$500
December 8, 2009
Beni Malone presented The Sights Before Christmas to 73 students in grades K-3. This original production explores the traditional Newfoundland mummer’s play through the eyes of a young boy.
Morris Academy
Mount Pearl
$500
February 8, 2010
Harpist Gayle Tapper will offer a performance and discussion of the harp to 250 students in grades K, 1, 3 and 4.
The Murphy Centre
St. John’s
$520
January 11-22, 2010
Sean Panting worked with students at the Murphy Centre to develop basic theatre skills. He presented a series of exercises for small groups and also provided some one-on-one instruction in acting and stagecraft.
Newtown Elementary
Mount Pearl
$440
October 9, 2009
Ray Lake presented Kick Up Your Rubbers, a 45 minute musical presentation emphasizing physical activity, anti-bullying, and anti-smoking, for 220 students in grades K-3.
Newtown Elementary
Mount Pearl
$450
October 9, 2009
Ray Lake presented Kick Up Your Rubbers, a 45 minute musical presentation emphasizing physical activity, anti-bullying, and anti-smoking, for 225 students in grades 4-6.
St. Andrew's Elementary
St. John’s
$200
December 21, 2009
Author Kevin Major visited with 32 grade 3 students to present readings from his books and share his experiences on the writing process and the development of a novel.
St. George's Elementary
Conception Bay South
$500
October 26, 2009
Actor Chuck Herriott presented a series of workshops on voice, movement, and theatre games for 150 students in grades K-3.
St. George's Elementary
Conception Bay South
$500
October 27, 2009
Actor Chuck Herriott presented a series of workshops on voice, movement, and theatre games for 150 students in grades 4-6.
Vanier Elementary
St. John’s
$500
February 4-24, 2010
Author Susan Chalker-Browne will offer readings from her works followed by a discussion and exploration of the writing process, with a focus on the historical novel, for 60 grade 5 students.
Avalon
Amalgamated Academy
Bay Roberts
$521
January 25-27, 2010
Musician Andrew Dale worked with students new to the school’s Traditional Music Ensemble. He offered hands-on instruction on how to play the mandolin and the bodhran. Andrew then worked with the entire Traditional Music Ensemble, providing guidance and feedback on the overall performance of the group, and helping to incorporate the new instruments into the full ensemble.
Coley's Point Primary
Bay Roberts
$551
December 1-15, 2009
Traditional musician Kelly Russell conducted a workshop with 105 grade 3 students to develop a music and storytelling presentation on “Christmas in Newfoundland” that was presented to the whole school.
Davis Elementary
Carbonear
$506
December 21, 2009
Beni Malone presented The Sights Before Christmas to 150 students in grades K-3. This original production explores the traditional Newfoundland mummer’s play through the eyes of a young boy.
Davis Elementary
Carbonear
$400
December 21, 2009
Beni Malone presented The Sights Before Christmas to 150 students in grades 4-6. This original production explores the traditional Newfoundland mummer’s play through the eyes of a young boy.
Dunne Memorial Academy
St. Mary’s
$598
October 19, 2009
Ray Lake presented Kick Up Your Rubbers, a 45 minute musical presentation emphasizing physical activity, anti-bullying, and anti-smoking, for 65 students in grades K-6.
Fatima Academy
St. Bride’s
$695
December 16-17, 2009
Musician Fergus O'Byrne facilitated a workshop exploring a variety of traditional musical instruments for 40 students in grades 10-12. Fergus highlighted his visit with a presentation of traditional music to the whole school.
Harbour Grace Primary School
Harbour Grace
$895
January to May, 2010
Local fiddler Rendell Mercer is teaching fiddle lessons once a week to 15-20 students in grades 2-4 with a goal of creating a traditional Newfoundland fiddling group within the school.
Holy Cross Elementary
Holyrood
$578
February 25, 2010
Author Janet McNaughton will offer readings from her books and conduct writing workshops with 197 students in grades K-6.
Holy Family Elementary School
Chapel Arm
$561
January 21-22, 2010
Visual artist Tia Connolly conducted a day-long workshop for 55 students in grades 4-6. Focusing on anti-bullying, students explored the theme “don't laugh at me” through the media of print-making and paint.
Perlwin Elementary
Winterton
$615
October 20, 2009
Ray Lake presented Kick Up Your Rubbers, a 45 minute musical presentation emphasizing physical activity, anti-bullying, and anti-smoking, for 84 students in grades K-6.
Persalvic School
Victoria
$516
February 25-March 5, 2010
Author Janet McNaughton will offer readings from her books and conduct writing workshops with 180 students in grades K-6.
Stella Maris Academy
Trepassey
$630
December 21-22, 2009
Local artist Oh Young Luther guided 60 students in grades 8-12 as they sketched and painted traditional salt-box houses on rocks.
Whitbourne Elementary
Whitbourne
$500
September 28, 2009
Artist Kelly McEntegart worked with 18 grade 6 students to complete phase two of the Wall of Remembrance mural project. The project explores World War II from a human and personal perspective. Students added detail to the mural created last year and incorporated written letters and objects into the display.
Woodland Elementary
Dildo
$700
January 27-31, 2010
Local artist Andy Williams worked with 32 grade 6 students as part of the school’s “What Book Got You Hooked?” project for Family Literacy Day. Students created a video collage of members of the school community speaking about what book got them interested in reading. The final product will be presented at the school’s literacy assembly.
Eastern
Clarenville Middle School
Clarenville
$646
November 9, 2009
Dale Jarvis conducted a storytelling workshop and presentation for 140 grades 7 and 8 students.
Central
Centreville Academy
Centreville
$667
November 19, 2009
Visual artist Janet Davis presented an overview of her artwork and then led a workshop in which students created black and white prints using cut linoleum.
Gander Academy
Gander
$898
November 23, 2009
Eric West and Gayle Tapper offered sessions in guitar, harp, tin flute, traditional Newfoundland dance, and song writing for 130 grade 3 students.
J.M. Olds Collegiate
Twillingate
$620
November 1-27, 2009
Artist Crystal Anstey-Watkins worked with 34 students in grades 10-12. Each student chose an artifact and wrote a narrative about it, then they sketched the selected piece to create images that were printed to create art cards.
J.M. Olds Collegiate
Twillingate
$630
November 1-27, 2009
Artist Crystal Anstey-Watkins worked with 32 students in grades 19-12. Each student chose an artifact and wrote a narrative about it, then they sketched the selected piece to create images that were printed to create art cards.
John Watkins Academy
Hermitage
$300
November 27, 2009
Musician Terry Kelleher gave an entertaining presentation with songs and audience participation that delivered an anti-bullying message to students, and reinforced that girls can do anything boys can do. His show was presented to 40 students from K-6.
King Academy
Harbour Breton
$525
March 1, 2010
RCA Theatre will present a performance of the play ifrancophone to 150 students in grades 4-12. The play explores the importance of French to students and our society.
Lester Pearson Memorial Academy
Wesleyville
$820
January 9-10, 2010
Musician Curtis Andrews presented a day of African drumming, culture, and dance at the school. He worked with several classes doing workshops in the morning for 85 junior and senior high students, and then offered a performance to a large group of students in the afternoon.
Point Leamington Academy
Point Leamington
$700
March 7-9, 2010
Andy Jones will offer workshops and performances exploring storytelling for 60 students in grades K-6.
Point Leamington Academy
Point Leamington
$700
March 10-13, 2010
Andy Jones will offer workshops and performances exploring acting for the stage for 60 students in grades 7-12.
Western
Bonne Bay Academy
Woody Point
$637
May 3-7, 2010
Visual artist Lise Sorenson will conduct drawing classes with 12 junior high school students, building on a session in painting that was completed last spring. The students will present an exhibition of the finished works.
Cottrell's Cove Academy
Cottrell’s Cove
$780
January 25-26, 2010
Musician Dave Panting gave a workshop in traditional instruments and performing techniques to students studying folk literature. He also presented a performance to all 27 students in the school from grades K-12.
Elwood Elementary
Deer Lake
$547
February 1-15, 2010
Visual artist Nancy Jacobsen will present workshops exploring colour, value, and line to 71 grade 1 students.
Jakeman All Grade
Trout River
$637
October 28- 30, 2009
Visual artist Lise Sorenson led drawing classes with 12 Level III students as part of their Newfoundland Studies courses.
St. James All Grade School
Lark Harbour
$182
November 9, 2009
Local storyteller Eleanor Benjamin presented to 29 students in grades 10-12 as part of their Newfoundland and Labrador Studies course. She incorporated storytelling into a presentation on Newfoundland and Labrador aboriginal peoples, and also featured a story on Newfoundland fiddler Emile Benoit.
Stephenville High School
Stephenville
$900
February 2- April 16, 2010
Stained glass artist Urve Manuel will work with 21 students as part of their Art 3200 course. They will design and create two large stained glass panels that will explore the concept of fantasy. The panels will be permanently installed in the school resource centre.
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