ArtsSmarts is a program of the Department of Education and Lifelong Learning and the Department of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture, along with provincial partners including, Le Commission scolaire de langue française, Public Schools Branch, Innovation PEI, PEI Teachers’ Federation, PEI Home and School Federation, La Fédération culturelle de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard, Culture PEI, PEI Crafts Council, University of Prince Edward Island, Confederation Centre Art Gallery, Eptek Art and Culture Centre, Native Women’s Association of Canada, and Aboriginal Women’s Association of PEI.
Students in Grades 5 and 6 at West Kent Elementary created traditional baskets with the guidance of two Mi’kmaq artists, Nora Richard and Noella Moore. Students participated in a two-day workshop learning about the history of Indigenous people in our region during class time. They learned to appreciate the stories and legends of the region and how to create a piece that honors this history.
Students, teachers and artists will be sharing photos and videos of their progress on these projects using the hashtag #ArtsSmartsPEI on social media. Exhibitions are being held this month at schools, at Confederation Centre of the Arts May 14 to 29 and at Eptek Art and Culture Centre June 8 to 17, to showcase the students’ hard work and creativity.