Trinity College School’s Advanced Placement (AP) Art students had the exciting opportunity to attend this year’s Visual Arts Festival organized by the Conference of Independent Schools. After a 3.5-year hiatus, participants from a multitude of schools were able to gather at the esteemed McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg. We packed the gallery spaces and engaged with the theme, “Reconnecting: Weaving Threads of Indigenous Heritage, Human Connection, Nature, and Artistry.”
Our day consisted of:
- A gallery tour with a focus on “Stories of Canada.” Students explored the rich and diverse collection at the McMichael gallery and examined various cultural narratives of the past and present, including the legacy of colonialism in Canada.
- An art-making studio experience with acclaimed Canadian Indigenous artists. Students were led through creative workshops by two renowned artists. Tracey Mae Chambers instructed students on weaving techniques and shared about her use of this art form as an intervention. Kim Wheatley gave a thorough lesson on constructing a dream catcher and shared about its cultural significance.
- The Interactive Art Competition, where students worked in groups to create an artwork based on this year’s theme. They were challenged to think on their feet and collaborate under the pressure of a strict time limit. A huge congratulations to our AP Art students for being selected as the winners! Their work was described by the judge as “remarkable,” as others were impressed by the unified nature of the piece and by how well the students worked together.
It was a fun-filled and inspiring day together. We look forward to the next festival and hope to deepen our learning and connections with others.
- By John Lee, visual arts teacher
