Making Art Work

Story appeared in the 2016 issue of QMS Connections Magazine.

BY LEANNE SCHULTZ, OPERATIONS & HR MANAGER

This year, a team of 45 young artists from Queen Margaret’s School and 13 adult artists from Duncan combined forces to create a public mural which promotes the understanding of local eco-systems from a First Nations perspective while beautifying a main corridor in the City of Duncan.

Grade 5 with mural

The 64’ x 4’ mural, entitled “What the Salmon Say,” includes renderings of salmon styled after traditional Pacific Northwest Coast art and is situated across from Joe’s Tire Hospital in Duncan. “Children’s motivation to learn and communicate their passion for our natural environment is supported when they have the opportunity to make a visible contribution in their community,” explains Angela Andersen, Department Head of Fine Arts at QMS. “The building owner, the Duncan Business Improvement Association (DBIA) and the City Council of Duncan gave the students of QMS a goal to work for; something to be accountable for and not surprisingly, they joyfully rose to the challenge.”

In collaboration with Angela Andersen, Grade 12 QMS student Emily Zhang studied form line style and consulted with local carver, Lambert Goldsmith, to establish the overall composition of the mural concept. Her scaled drawings were pitched to the building owner, the DBIA and an art review panel who suggested and facilitated the inclusion of local artists before the project was sent to City Council for approval.

QMS Grade 5 students joined the Grade 8-12 art class in gathering research for the project and painting the mural. Students learned details about First Nations art through visits from artist Lambert Goldsmith and explored the historical use of native plant species on field trips to the Cowichan River, engaging with First Nations ethno-botanist Ken Elliott. “QMS students were passionate about learning in part due to their role as educators on the importance of respecting riparian land and waterways,” continues Andersen. “Our youth aspire to make a difference in the world and art is a natural way to learn about, celebrate and share a commitment to protecting biodiversity along the Cowichan River.” After finishing their research and sketching the mural outline, local artists joined the QMS team to add their talent and complete the community circle.

The large-scale project required the support and involvement of numerous community groups. The hope is that the mural will serve as a visual reminder to respect and hon-our our relationship with nature and each other. “Public art projects such as this are a perfect vehicle to communicate values, share knowledge and bring a diverse group of people together in a shared purpose,” says Andersen. “Like the salmon depicted in the mural, heading downstream to the ocean, the teachings, relationships formed and experiences gained here will spread around the globe in the minds and hearts of our young people.”