Artists for Kids

Our youngest artists’ work, on display in April

2012-02-29T13:56:00.000-08:00

April showers us with art from ourstudents

The work of our youngest artists will beon display on April 2 and 3 at the Artists for Kids Gallery, 810

West 21^st Streetin North Vancouver. The after-school programs will be proudly displaying theirwork on April 2, from 6:30-7:30 pm, while the architecture students will havetheir work shown on April 3, from 7-8 pm.

SinceJanuary, about 150 students have been discovering their talents as they explorevarious media through the 14 after-school programs offered by Artists for Kids.From introductory classes for those in Kindergarten, to printmaking andjewellery making, and a pre-University studio program for students nearing theend of high school, the next generation of artists are discovering the breadthof their talent, and will proudly have it on display on April 2.

Beyond after-school classes, students with aninterest and aptitude for Architecture have been part of a special immersionprogram. Architecture Canada (Royal Architectural Institute of Canada) hassupported three architecture-specific programs during the school year. InNovember 2011, and in January 2012, almost 50 Grade 3 students had theopportunity to work with an architect to expand their understanding of spaceand forms. In addition, in January, a group of Grade 8 students participated inthree day-long classes designed specifically for them. Through these programs,students were able to learn more about the power of architecture and theelements that make it effective as well an asset to our communities.

“Beyond thesimple joy of creating, an education in the arts allows students to explore thework around them, and reflect what they see through art. In addition, the artsallows students to learn creative problem-solving techniques, a skill that willbenefit them in whichever career they pursue,” says Yolande Martinello,Director of Artists for Kids.

Be sure to attend the presentations on April 2 and 3, andsee the spirit and energy of our next generation of artists andarchitects.

Colouring Outside Your Mind - Winter Session

2012-02-28T18:37:00.000-08:00

The third Colouring Outside Your Mind classes was held last week, and the students had lots of fun warming up with the classic parlour game, Exquisite Corpse. Exquisite Corpse is a termcoined by surrealist artists in the 1920’s and 1930’s to describe the processof several artists (or writers, musicians, playwrights, etc) working togetheron a single piece without knowing what each one was making. The basic concept behind this techniqueis for one artist to begin a drawing and then to conceal what he or she ismaking from the other artists in the group. The next person in succession continues the drawing usingonly minimal clues left behind by the first person’s drawing. The drawing is finished after eachperson in the group has made a contribution to the final product.

The next exercise involved "Drawing your Day"...using black sharpies, the students put their pens down on the paper, and drew a continuous line across the page, doodling the highlights of their day with quick gestural lines. The resulting shapes were coloured in with Aquarelle crayons, and then water added to give them a watercolour quality. This exercise was quite popular, as it gets you thinking about your day and all that it typically holds.

Fun with Shadow-drawing! For the next exercise, the students worked in groups of 3, each taking a turn at casting shadows, and then directing the others so they could draw overlapping shadow outlines onto large pieces of paper.

Once they had the right number and arrangement of shapes on their page, the students began painting in the shapes with acrylic paint and gel medium. This group really knows how to get down to business, and they all completed painting their piece (quite a lot of painting, really) in the balance of the class.

Once they had filled in all their shapes, the students had the option of using black grease pencils (China markers) to follow some or all of the shape outlines to enhance the piece, and highlight the shapes...the results are spectacular!!

Thinking Outside the Canvas - Adult Art Class Winter Session

2012-02-28T15:38:00.006-08:00

The third of four Thinking Outside the Canvas classes took place last week, starting with a (verbal) warm-up exercise called an "idea-tree" or "idea-network." Beginning with one word inspired by the photo that each student brought with them (and which has informed many of the exercises in the class), the students began to free-associate related words, building a stream-of-consciousness word network. These "drawings" can later be ripped up and glued to their final piece, or simply used to give direction and purpose to their final piece.

Next the students looked at maps, and using a viewfinder, zoomed in on a small section of map with interesting features, colours and/or symbols. These cropped map sections were then drawn quickly onto paper using the contour drawing technique, and painted with acrylics.

The students then turned their attention to a "mapping" exercise inspired in part by the work of the Austrian artist Freidrich Hundertwasser. Listening to a series of instructions, the students drew on a coloured paper an aerial view of the Capilano watershed, using contour lines, shapes, and symbols, and then painted these in with acrylic paints. The final pieces were very fun, and very colourful!

The last exercise of the day included adding pieces of map, and a repeating pattern with stamps, to the students' large rosin paper pieces. These pieces, already layered with gesso and drywall paste, and a layer or two of acrylic paint, will be added to, built up layer upon layer, painted into again, and eventually turning into beautiful one-of-a-kind mixed media collages that can be either hung as is, or cut into smaller pieces...tune in next week to find out!

Parent and Tot Art Class

2012-02-24T14:51:00.000-08:00

The parents and tots in the Exploring Art Together class being held at Norgate Elementary get creative with portraiture and splatter paint. What fun!

They also experimented working with circles.

Teacher Workshop - part 4

2012-02-24T14:38:00.003-08:00

Artists Emily Carr and A.G. Weston inspired these lovely mixed media art works. Teachers used the processes of collage, drawing and painting to create west coast trees. They can now use these as examples to inspire their students.

prepared painted paper for collage and oil pastels and texture rubbing

black paper, oil pastel, texture rubbing and collage

paper collage and oil pastels

collage and oil pastel on styrofoam

hard at work

paper collage and oil pastel

Colouring Outside Your Mind - Adult Art Class Winter Session

2012-02-22T07:41:00.002-08:00

The second class of the Colouring Outside Your Mind Adult art workshop was all about drawing without thinking...drawing with your left hand, with your eyes closed, without looking at your page, in response to a partner, and so on. For many people, drawing can be intimidating and scary, but in this class, we make it and fun and accessible.

The students brought in an object from home to inspire these studies. They were asked to deconstruct their object into its essential parts, and draw these parts in different ways on the page...they never had to draw the object itself. The studies then served as a series of small compositions to paint...the results are pretty impressive!

Tune in next week for the next installment of Colouring Outside Your Mind!

Thinking Outside the Canvas - Adult Art Class Winter Session

2012-02-21T21:31:00.000-08:00

The second class of the Thinking Outside the Canvas adult art class began with pushing paint around on gessoed paper to create a colour field upon which the students will build additional layers over the next two classes. The final piece will be a mixed media collage loosely based on an image/photo that each student brought to the class to serve as inspiration and reference for many of the exercises.

This class was all about print-making, from basic inkblots using india ink and acrylic paint, to direct transfers made by drawing into styrofoam and painting with acrylics...the results were amazing, and the process simple but addictive!

The students also learned how to make a monoprint using watercolour crayons and watercolour paints, and ran their plates through a press...very rewarding pulling the print off of the plate!

Tune in for next week's installment of Thinking Outside the Canvas!

John Hartman Presentation and Print Release

2012-02-16T14:25:00.000-08:00

Learn more about the inspiration,process and work of a celebrated Canadian artist, as John Hartman gives a free,artist talk session on Wednesday March 7, 2012, 7pm - 9pm at the Artists forKids Gallery, 810 West 21^st Street in North Vancouver. His work,entitled “Vancouver” is the latest acquisition in the acclaimed Artists forKids collection. In addition, he has created an original print, and its salessupport Artists for Kids unique artist and teacher-led programs.

In2003, Hartman began to paint aerial views of cities as living organisms. Thesepaintings made up the exhibition and book Cities that touredCanada and internationally from 2007 to 2009. His Vancouverwork is part of this series.

“Bodies of water have a beautiful quality ofreflected light that contrasts with the density of urban areas. The shorelines,buildings and roadways reveal the shapes and juxtapositions of the natural andman made,” Hartman says.

In addition to being one of our artist patrons, JohnHartman is dedicating his time to sharing his insight. On March 6, the dayprior to his talk, a dozen teams consisting of a student and his or her teacherwill spend the afternoon with John, exploring the skills and techniques ofeffective printmaking.

His stunning, original limited-edition print is nowavailable for sale. The sale of these prints support the next generation ofartists through the work of Artists for Kids. Other original prints are alsoavailable for sale. Please visit www.artists4kids.com for details.

Be sure to attend this Artists Voice presentation, anddiscover the spirit of contemporary Canadian art, as seen through the eyes ofJohn Hartman.

Spring After School Art Classes

2012-02-15T15:37:00.000-08:00

Registration for our spring session of after school art classes has started. Please check the website for details and call the office to register.

http://www.artists4kids.com/documents/after_school_spring_2012.pdf

New Adult Art Classes - Winter Session

2012-02-13T19:52:00.000-08:00

This Winter, the Artists for Kids is offering two more 4-session art workshops for Adults, one in the morning and one in the evening on consecutive Wednesdays. The morning class, Thinking Outside the Canvas, is a new offering; the evening class, Colouring Outside Your Mind, is the same one that was offered last Fall.

Both workshops emphasize spontaneous creativity, playfulness, and having fun making art in a non-threatening and relaxed environment. Students can expect the unexpected, and end up with some surprisingly cool artwork! Check back weekly for updates on what the students are doing...

Thinking Outside the Canvas - Day 1

Silent Communication using mark-making to respond to your partner's work

Students listening in on a demo from Sarah

Colouring Outside Your Mind - Day 1
Painting with a very long stick...

The Drizzle Station

Demo on how to blow paint around with a straw...

Blowing paint around with straws...good fun!

Grade 3's build a city!

2012-02-09T15:11:00.000-08:00

The grade 3 enrichment architect class built a city using found materials. They started with a design and plan of where they wanted green space, housing, etc. Then they built the structures and placed them in their city.

After School Art Class - Primarily Painting

2012-02-09T15:07:00.000-08:00

The after school primarily painting class work on their Penhall inspired boxes.

Banner Video

2012-02-09T14:30:00.001-08:00

Grade 3 Enrichment based on Architecture

2012-02-03T13:34:00.000-08:00

The children in the second group of grade 3 enrichment are learning from architect Rafael Santa Ana about designing a built environment for the unique needs of each client. Then, working with art teacher Catherine Schechter, they created a collograph streetscape of their ideal neighbourhood.

Grade 8 Enrichment Program based on Architecture

2012-02-02T14:12:00.000-08:00

Working with Architect Bo Haliwell and art teacher Charlene Gavel, grade 8 students completed a 3 day Architecture enrichment workshop. These young artists received a terrific immersion into the built environment that will certainly surface in future artistic endeavours and for some, throughout their careers as architects and designers! From the initial "Bio-Mimicry" inspiration to creating a variety of housing related min-projects, they really did experience a terrific immersion into design and the architectural process. The wrap-up visit to Blue Sky studios was certainly the icing on the cake for the well deserved!

From the drawing to the 3 dimensional

Artists for Kids Volunteer Opportunities

2012-02-02T12:57:00.000-08:00

We hope you can join us!

2012-02-01T14:40:00.000-08:00

Artist for Kids Volunteer Opportunities

http://www.lynnvalleylife.com/blog/ground-breaking-art-gallery-seeks-lv-volunteers/

Banners Flying High

2012-01-26T14:54:00.000-08:00

Bill Reid Banners

Gordon Smith Banners

Artists for Kids director, Yolande Martinello, caught some of the AfK banners flying in the sunshine.

Teacher Workshop Series - Painting

2012-01-25T13:21:00.000-08:00

The 3rd class of the teacher workshop series focused on painting. Teachers experimented with the textural effects of combining tempera paint and acrylic fluid medium. Using the processes of underpainting and sgraffito, teachers explored the theme of trees through artists Emily Carr and Ross Penhall.

New AfK Art Program for Preschoolers & Parents

2012-01-25T12:29:00.000-08:00

Circles, Squares & Triangles - They're everywhere!

3 and 4 year olds, with their parents, have great fun while learning to explore colour and shape using paint and brush.

Art Classes for Adults - Winter Session

2012-01-19T20:02:00.001-08:00

Two more exciting AfK ADULT workshop series are starting up in February (one in the mornings and one in the evenings). Explore your creative side in a non-threatening fun environment and learn some great tools in the process. Click on the images below for more details:

Our Banners are Flying

2012-01-13T13:37:00.000-08:00

Take a drive along Lonsdale Ave. and look up. Student designed banners are paired with the Artists for Kids founding patrons' works that inspired them.

2012-01-05T15:10:00.000-08:00

We're back and ready for the new year. There is still time to register for after school art classes starting the week of January 16. Please call the office to register.

2011-12-15T15:19:00.000-08:00

Artists for Kids will be closed from December 17, 2011 until January 3, 2012. See you in the new year!

The Art of Putting Things Together: Adult Art Class Session 4

2011-12-04T18:43:00.001-08:00

For the fourth and final session of the "Colouring Outside Your Mind" adult art class, students pulled out all of their work from the previous three sessions (quite a lot of it, as it turned out!), and proceeded to rip and tear and cut their work to build a mixed-media collage. We used fluid medium as "glue" and layered it with paint and grease pencils.

Students learned that sometimes all it takes to make a composition better is to cut off the part that is not working and keep going! These pieces are some examples of the success that they achieved...

We will be offering more adult art classes in the Winter Session...look for more information in the next Artists for Kids newsletter, or on our website: http://www.artists4kids.com

Building a Love of Architecture - Grade 3 Enrichment

2011-12-02T14:26:00.000-08:00

Architecture Canada and Artists for Kids are bringing architecture to life for kids. In November, two dozen Grade 3 students had the opportunity to work with an architect (Kate Busby) and an art teacher (Candace Gillespie) to expand their understanding of space and forms. Running for three Mondays, the students who were selected by their teachers, were able to learn more about the power of architecture and the elements that make it effective as well an asset to our communities.

In the three day-long classes, kids have learned about perspective, bubble diagrams, elevation drawings and the use of clay in formulating designs, to help them develop a sensitivity and appreciation for the built environment.

After School Jewellery Making Class

2011-12-01T13:13:00.000-08:00

Students in the After School Jewellery Making class at Argyle learn a variety of techniques to make personal pieces of jewellery such as rings earrings and pendants.

After School Clay Creations Art Class

2011-12-01T13:02:00.000-08:00

The students in the Clay Creations class at Carson Graham proudly show off their works in progress.

After School Art Class Registration

2011-12-01T12:42:00.000-08:00

Registration for the next session of After School Art classes has started. Please see the website www.artists4kids.com for details and then call our office 604-903-3798 to register.

Collaboration and Imagination: Adult Art Class Session Three

2011-11-27T20:16:00.001-08:00

In the third class of the Colouring Outside Your Mind workshop for adults, we began by loosening up with a fun exercise called "Exquisite Corpse." It is a termcoined by surrealist artists in the 1920’s and 1930’s to describe the processof several artists (or writers, musicians, playwrights, etc) working togetheron a single piece without knowing what each one was making. The basic concept behind this techniqueis for one artist to begin a drawing and then to conceal what he or she ismaking from the other artists in the group. The next person in succession continues the drawing usingonly minimal clues left behind by the first person’s drawing...

The next exercise involved working with a partner to generate "shadow drawings" which were used later in the class as the basis for an abstract painting.

After a short chocolate and chips break (!), the students were put to work "drawing their day"...what would your day look like if you drew it as a continuous line, without lifting your pen from the page? These drawings were then painted with water soluble crayons.

These last images show the students painting their shadow drawings, and having fun with colour and texture!

Our last session is this Wednesday...check back next week!

After School Primarily Painting Class

2011-11-25T15:15:00.000-08:00

Students in the Primarily Painting After School Art Class work with primary colours to learn colour theory.

Drawing without Thinking: Adult Art Class, Session 2

2011-11-24T19:39:00.001-08:00

In the second session of the new "Colouring Outside Your Mind" workshop for adults, the students started the evening by mark-making, working on one sheet of paper, and then rotating around the table to make marks on all the other papers in response to what was already there.

Next up, a series of timed drawings following different instructions, including: drawing with your opposite hand, drawing with your eyes closed, drawing without looking at your paper, drawing what you "see" when you press your hands on your eyeballs, etc.

Each student brought an object to draw, and they were to "dissect" the object, to break it down into its essential components, and complete a series of 4 drawings on one large sheet of paper. Then they got to paint these, which was the highlight of the evening. Some basic colour theory helped make their work pretty amazing!

Look for next week's installment of the Colouring Outside Your Mind workshop series, and please leave a comment here...

After School Art

2011-11-16T15:46:00.001-08:00

Students in the After School Art Class - Artful Adventures - at Lynn Valley Elementary are experimenting with many different mediums.

2011-11-16T13:13:00.000-08:00

For the 2nd session of the teacher workshop series, participants expanded on the theme of leaves. Teachers focused on the element of colour and explored the use of oil pastels.

Colouring Outside Your Mind - Adult Art Class

2011-11-13T10:10:00.001-08:00

Over the years, the Artists for Kids has been asked by parents to add an art class for adults to their selection of offerings. This Fall, the opportunity to do that arose.

"Colouring Outside Your Mind" is a four session workshop taught by two local artists, Mary Shaughnessy and Sarah David. It runs once a week in November at the Artists for Kids Studio. Our first offering of this course has 12 registrants, who come to the course with a variety of creative backgrounds, and a serious interest in trying something new and outside their comfort zone!

Through spontaneous, playful experimentation, these participants will discover how to access their creative intuition, while learning techniques and skills with painting and drawing materials. In a non-threatening, fun environment, they will be guided through a series of progressive sessions, keeping it purely abstract, and they will emerge at the end with some great tools for creative expression.

Session One - having fun with paint!

In our first session, the class dripped, drizzled and splattered, applied ink and paint with string and other "tools," and then blew paint through straws while listening to music. The work they produced in this, and the next two sessions, will be used in the final session to create a one-of-a-kind mixed media collage. This week we are using drawing media. Check back next week for updates on their progress!

Straw-blowing art

Drizzle, Drip and Splatter work

Mark-making with inks on tissue

After School Art Class - Primary Pottery at Braemar

2011-11-10T15:26:00.001-08:00

The fall session of After School Art Classes are well under way. Recently Ms. Water's clay creations class posed holding their newly fired masks.

Cultural Spaces for Kids

2011-11-10T15:16:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, November 9, was an exciting day for Artists for Kids.

James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, and MP Andrew Saxton came to our gallery to announce a $350,000 Cultural Spaces grant for the new Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art. When it opens next fall, it will be the first dedicated public art gallery for young people in Canada, and the new home of Artists for Kids.

The funding will enable our new gallery at 2121 Lonsdale in North Vancouver to be built within conservation standards required of modern art galleries and museums. Our acclaimed Artists for Kids (AfK) collection of Canadian Art will finally have a much-needed proper exhibition and storage environment.

This new gallery will mean more public access to our wonderful collection of Canadian art, as well as larger and better studio spaces, allowing us to offer more classes and more opportunities to meet artists.

Mauro Vescera, President of The Smith Foundation, thanked the Minister and those attending the announcement, and invited everyone to visit the space when it opens next Fall.

We Want Your Feedback

2011-11-04T12:26:00.000-07:00

We are interested in knowing what types of After School workshops you would like to see? Leave a comment here for our consideration.

Thank-you.

Roz Marshall print launch and presentation

2011-10-26T08:43:00.000-07:00

The Roz Marshall print launch and presentation was well attended on October 20, 2011. Roz Marshall was in attendance and enthralled us all with a presentation of her works, past and present. If you are interested in her new print 'Wild Roses and Rambutans' please call our office

Kindergarten Parent Information Night

2011-10-26T08:30:00.000-07:00

Over 400 parents were welcomed to the annual Kindergarten Information Night at the Lucas Centre Gym on October 19th. Mavis Eldridge of Artists for Kids hosted a booth providing information on the programs we offer.

Teacher Workshop Series

2011-10-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

The Teacher Workshop Series started this week with a focus on drawing. Participants explored the theme of leaves using a variety of tools and processes.

Roz Marshall print launch and presentation

2011-10-16T10:13:00.000-07:00

We are releasing an exciting new Roz Marshall print this week. Drop by and see it or visit our website for more details.

After School Art Class

2011-10-05T13:06:00.000-07:00

Please note that the day of the week for the Clay Creations class at Braemar Elementary is Tuesdays not Wednesday as shown in the brochure.

Camp is over for another year...

2011-08-12T17:51:00.000-07:00

Summer Paradise for Young Artists

Now in its 18th year, the Artists for Kids' Paradise Valley Summer School of Visual Art continues to inspire young artists to reach beyond their comfort zones and explore new mediums and new ideas. The energy and enthusiasm reached all time highs with renowned artist George Littlechild (pictured above) inspiring the junior camp artists, and Marcus Bowcott and Judson Beaumont mentoring the senior art students. Here's what some of the young artists had to say...

When asked what he liked best about summer art camp, 8-year old Jonathan thought for a moment and replied, "Isn't it obvious, the art!"

This years camps were filled to capacity attracting students from as far away as Ontario, Mexico and Korea. The quality of work that these young people produce each year under the guidance of our artists and our team of outstanding art teachers is always awe inspiring. As one secondary student who has attended this summer camp for several years casually commented, "That's what I like about art camp, it never ceases to amaze me."

Amaze us, it did and as students began to depart at the end of their five day Paradise Valley Summer School of Visual Art experience, all you could hear around you is one student after another saying "See you next year."

Smith Foundation Annual Luncheon

2011-06-24T16:47:00.000-07:00

Artist Gordon Smith and CBC anchor and event MC Gloria Macarenko have a chat.

Photograph by: Cindy Goodman, North Shore News

Representatives of the Gordon and Marion Smith Foundation for Young Artists hosted their annual luncheon at Capilano Golf and Country Club June 5. Art lovers, artists and educators gathered to raise funds for the Artists For Kids Trust. During the luncheon, a 2012 Fiat 500 was auctioned off, as were paintings, sculptures and other fine art pieces.

Info: www.smithfoundation.ca.

Selected works from the Gordon and Marion Smith Collection are currently on display at the West Vancouver Museum (until August 27th). Examples of artists featured include Robert Bateman, Fred Herzog, Jeff Wall, Bill Reid, Jack Shadbolt and Mike Wakefield.

Info: westvancouvermuseum.ca.

Spring Session After School Art & Enrichment Events

2011-06-14T10:07:00.000-07:00

Monday and Tuesday evenings we enjoyed well attended celebrations for this years enrichment classes and the spring session of After School Art. Plans are already well under way for next falls After School Art Classes. Watch for a new addition for Parent and Tots.

2011 AfK Scholarship Recipients Announced

2011-06-09T16:42:00.000-07:00

The AFK scholarship committee met this week to adjudicate 22 applications submitted for this year's four $1000.00 Artist for Kids scholarships. These Scholarships are awarded in the name of the Trust’s first four artists patrons:

Ms. Lyndsey Bourne, Seycove

Jack Shadbolt: Multiple Arts Excellence Award

Mr. Craig Stevenson, Windsor

Robert Bateman: Future Teacher Award

Ms. Veidre-Lanor Moore, Carson

Bill Reid: First Nations Artist Award

Vanessa Buck, Handsworth

Gordan Smith: Visual Artist Award

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S to all Recipients!!

AfK Photography Class Fashion Shoot

2011-06-03T16:17:00.000-07:00

Grant Presentation from The Arts Office

2011-06-02T15:39:00.000-07:00

City of North Vancouver Mayor Darrell Mussatto (left), District of North Vancouver Acting Mayor Mike Little (right), and Director of the Artists for Kids Yolande Martinello (centre) receiving a Grant cheque for the AfK. (photo by Sam Chamberlayne)

Summer Camp at Paradise Valley

2011-04-29T15:50:00.000-07:00

George Littlechild

Marcus Bowcott

It's time for summer camp!!
This year's guest artists are George Littlechild, Marcus Bowcott and Judson Beaumont.
Registration is in full swing.

Judson Beaumont

Log onto our website at www.artists4kids.com.

2011-04-29T15:47:00.000-07:00

Students from the Art Academy class had an opportunity to participate in the recent CityScape Exhibition.

2011-04-29T12:13:00.000-07:00

Summer camp registration has started. The junior camp's artist in residence will be highly regarded artist, George Littlechild. The senior camp will be Working with local artist, teacher, Marcus Bowcott and designer, Judson Beaumont.

2011-04-29T12:05:00.000-07:00

Here's a clip from the Penhall exhibition piece on the view. Just go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ol8q39agtFg and
Enjoy.

Penhall's studio

2011-03-18T15:29:00.000-07:00

Time to sign up for class tours of the Penhall's Studio exhibition at the Artists for Kids Gallery. The public is welcome, too. We hope we see everyone there. The Exhibition begins on April 12th.

Spring classes start soon.

2011-03-18T15:24:00.000-07:00

Don't miss the spring sessions of after school art classes.
Here are the smiling faces of one of our classes and a sample of their work.

Last of the Banner Contest Entries...

2011-02-24T17:56:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all the young artists who participated in the Banner Contest, and to the teachers who challenged their students to create a memorable piece of art. The results were amazing, and much more than expected! When we hear from the City of North Vancouver how many different banners we will be able to print, we will post the winning entries here on the blog...check back soon!

More and More Banner Entries..

2011-02-23T17:36:00.000-08:00

After-School Art classes Springing up soon!

2011-02-21T14:21:00.000-08:00

Next week our Spring session of art classes will be opening for registration. Don't miss out! This is a shot of the Cove Cliff class admiring their latest creations.

More Banner Entries..

2011-02-18T17:09:00.000-08:00

Banner Contest Entries

2011-02-16T10:42:00.000-08:00

This will be the first of a number of posts showing the entries for the Banner Contest...check back often to look for YOUR entry!!

And the Winners Are...

2011-02-10T15:41:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to all of those who entered the AFK Banner contest. We accepted 321 banner submissions from across the district and from every grade level. The quality of the work was outstanding and made the task of determining which pieces to finally use as banners very difficult. We hope you all spend some time visiting our blog to look at many of the submissions.

The 3 winners of the random draw are Arvin Madhi, Braemar, Amy Kim, Carson Graham, and Claudia Castonguay, Ross Road. They are the lucky winners of a framed Gordon Smith print. Congratulations!

40 pieces were short listed and 34 of these will be displayed at the LMCC during Education Week

The final 6 were chosen to submit to the city of North Vancouver for final selection. A decision is yet to be made as to whether the city will fly three or six student pieces. We hope that all six pieces will find their place along Lonsdale.

Sarah's digital image was one of the selected pieces.

Banner Contest Ends February 4th

2011-02-03T11:20:00.000-08:00

Entries from Sutherland and Blueridge.

Sutherland Submissions continued:

2011-02-03T11:15:00.000-08:00

More submissions to banner contest.

2011-02-03T11:08:00.001-08:00

These submissions from Sutherland Secondary.

Banner Contest Ends Tomorrow

2011-02-03T10:56:00.000-08:00

Entries have been coming in steadily this week. Here are submissions from Braemar school and one of our Primarily Painting classes.

Working with artist Ron den Daas

2011-01-31T10:50:00.000-08:00

Vanessa creates a quick line drawing.

Justine blocks in some colour for her composition

Ben, Amy and Justine work with chalk pastels.

Alyssa and Allie observing intently.

Art academy students sketching in our backyard behind Carson Graham.

Justine and Ciara enjoying the great outdoors.

Michael and Quintana

Lisa experimenting with watercolour pencil crayons.

Jade works on her composition.

2011-01-31T10:46:00.000-08:00

Will Stratton paints our "natural place to learn" behind Carson Graham.

Portfolio Primer

2011-01-27T11:32:00.000-08:00

Secondary student Alejandro Torres-Lopez ponders his sculpture at Capilano University studio where he participates in the After School Art Program. The Portfolio Primer class is designed specifically for secondary students interested in pursuing art education and are building portfolios.
Master teachers and artists, Wayne Eastcott, Tiki Mulvihill and George Rammell teach painting, drawing and sculpture to 24 students in this class.

Summer Camp Dates

2011-01-25T10:11:00.000-08:00

Dates have been set for this

years Paradise Valley Summer School of Visual Arts. The 18th annual outdoor studio adventure for young artists takes place from July 10th, 2011 to July 22nd, 2011. Once again students will work with a team of experienced art teachers and Canadian artists. July 10th to 15th;

drawing, painting and printmaking for ages 8 - 12. July 17th - 22nd; drawing painting and sculpture for ages 13 - 18. Artists will be announced soon and registration will begin in mid April.

AfK Banner Contest

2011-01-20T21:47:00.000-08:00

Artists for Kids is currently looking for submissions to our public art project. Students in grades K to 12 are creating one-of-a-kind designs to celebrate the coming of the new AfK Gallery on Lonsdale Avenue, scheduled to be complete in Spring 2012. The selected banner designs will be professionally produced and hung beside the corresponding work of one of three AfK patrons: Bill Reid, Gordon Smith, and Jack Shadbolt. The banners will line both sides of Lonsdale from the waterfront to the highway, for two years.

Julie Pappajohn's sample interpretive responses to the Bill Reid "Haida Grizzly" from the AfK Permanent Collection, for the Banner Contest.

The deadline for submitting artwork for the Banner Contest is February 4th...if your teacher hasn't started this project in your classroom, you should ask them to contact the AfK for a lesson plan and package!! Good Luck to all entrants!!

Julie Pappajohn with interpretive responses to the Jack Shadbolt's piece, "Winter Garden," from the AfK Permanent Collection, also for the Banner Contest.

All pieces meeting the criteria will be posted on our blog for everyone to enjoy, and will be entered into a draw to win one of three framed Gordon Smith prints.

In the Gallery

2011-01-13T11:05:00.000-08:00

Grade 4/ 5 students in Ms. Suchy's class from Eastview School enjoyed a full day of art in the gallery yesterday. Their project may include some submissions to our banner contest !

The Building of the AfK Gallery

2011-01-05T09:17:00.000-08:00

As you drive by Lonsdale, you can finally see the new school board building rising out of the ground. It's very exciting to see the floor of what will be the new location of the Gordon Smith Teaching Collection of Canadian Art. Until then it's business as usual at AfK. Our next enrichment sessions with artist Heather Aston will be coming up soon and after school classes begin on January 17th.

Happy New Year

2011-01-04T13:46:00.000-08:00

Happy New year to all our followers. Last summer at Art camp, our senior students created this larger than life nest. This photo taken in December shows you just what an outstanding job they did. Any bird would be proud to call this home!

Just a reminder that it's not too late to sign up for after school art classes. While many of the classes are now full, some still have spots available. Classes will begin on January 17th.

Art Academy Self Portraits Update

2010-12-16T14:30:00.000-08:00

You can follow the progress of the Art Academy students as they continue working on their self-portraits...

2010-12-13T19:48:00.000-08:00

Students aged 5 to 17 exhibited their works and shared with friends and family.

2010-12-13T19:44:00.000-08:00

Teachers and young artists enjoyed the after school art class exhibit this evening at the gallery.

Fall After School Art Exhibit Sampling

2010-12-13T11:32:00.000-08:00

Just a small sample of the student work on display this evening at the AfK gallery.

2010-12-01T14:35:00.000-08:00

Heather Aston

Monday concluded the three day grade 7 enrichment program for the first term. Students from around North Vancouver worked with artist Heather Aston on painting and print making. The students were fantastic and the work they produced was remarkable. Well, see for yourself!

2010-11-24T14:46:00.000-08:00

Bo Gyeong Kim

Larger than life

2010-11-24T14:36:00.000-08:00

Irene Huang

Academy students enjoy working larger than life as they develop self portraits under the guidance of their instructor Ms. Anton-Marlow.

Art Academy Self Portraits

2010-11-22T15:23:00.000-08:00

Bo Gyeong Kim

Ben Brighton

Artists for Kids Academy students working on self-portraits as they explore the theme of personal landscapes. This year's Academy, attended by 29 students from a number of North Vancouver Secondary schools, is taught by Teresa Anton Marlow. The students in her class will be holding an exhibition at the Seymour Art Gallery later this school year.

Anais Kim

Recent Print Releases

2010-11-17T20:58:00.000-08:00

Ian Wallace:

Drums and Paint

colour inkjet photograph on archival paper
edition of 35, 3 artist's proofs,
signed and numbered by the artist
paper size: 19.75 x 24"
image size: 12 x 16"
released November, 2010

price: $2500

The ink jet print of “Drums and Paint” reprises the artist’s interest in the studio experience as an integral part of his collective imagery. His notice of the strong contrast and "rich colour of the paint pot and the canvas surface" struck a resonance with him as did the "memory of sound" implied by his drum kit. The architectural composition of this photo work reflects Wallace’s formal interest in linear space and the bold warm colour imbues a strength which is unmistakably Wallace at his existential best.

Rodney Graham:

The Gifted Amateur

(installation view)

archival C print
printed on Kodak endura paper
edition 35, 5 artist's proofs, signed and numbered by the artist
paper size 64 x 54.5 cm. (29 x 28")
image size 73.5 x 71 cm. (20 x 20")
released November, 2010

price: $2500

The photograph "The Gifted Amateur (installation view)" is a production still which caught the eye of the artist as he created the set for his major lightbox work: "The Gifted Amateur" in 2007. It is a 'graham style' re-creation of a Morris Lewis inspired 1962 living room art studio. Rodney Graham's creation of elaborate sets have figured prominently in his work in recent years. Of special interest to Artists for Kids is the fact this work was built and photographed in the old Lonsdale school gym which is now the site of the new Artists for Kids Gallery in North Vancouver, BC.

Grade 7 enrichment project

2010-11-10T11:33:00.000-08:00

Next week we will begin the first group of enrichment classes with Artist Heather Aston. Come back and see what the students are up to.

Welcome to our blog.

2010-11-10T11:17:00.000-08:00

We hope you become a frequent visitor to our blog. This will be the place to find out how we are doing and WHAT we are up to. This photo of Gordon Smith working with senior students is just an example of the great things that happen at Artists for Kids.