GC Huston students recently attended the Youth Arts Gala at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario where their artwork, inspired by Mshkokmii-kwe (Mother Earth), was featured. Back row, from left, Ava Johnson, Lucas Misquadis and Dakoda Thompson. Front row, from left, Jeri Carter, Naiemah Kagige, Lexis Ritchie, Aiden Sky and Mhiingan Kahgee. The artwork of Noah Johnson was also part of the exhibit.
Hub Staff
The Legislative Assembly of Ontario has been adorned with the artwork of Ojibwe students from GC Huston Public School as part of the Youth Arts Program celebrating the artistic talents of Ontario students aged 12 to 18.
The students are part of an Anishnaabemowin (Native language) class at the Southampton school and the artwork was inspired by Mshkokmii-kwe (Mother Earth).
See: GC Huston artists to be featured in Toronto exhibit
A Youth Arts Gala was held February 19 and eight of the nine students participating in the exhibit were joined by family members and set out on the three hour journey to Toronto to see their art on display in the building's west wing.
"Students and guests were formally welcomed through the grand front entrance, entertained by an a capella group, and addressed by the Speaker of the House, Ted Arnott," said Patricia Holm, Vice Principal of GC Huston in an email to Saugeen Shores Hub. "They enjoyed a selection of catered hors d'oeuvres and pastries while viewing the artwork of their peers, and their own, securely locked in glass display cases."
Holm said that if the saying holds true that everyone will have their 15 minutes of fame, then these young artists can say they have achieved that and more.
"They were excited, nervous, humble, and countless other emotions, but above all else they were proud," Holm said.
A guided tour of the Legislative Chamber, Holm said was "an unexpected educational opportunity" for the students and added that the students have already had requests to display their artwork in other locations following the Toronto exhibit.
"So, so proud," said Holm.
Photos submitted.
Ojibwe artists from GC Huston Public School recently returned from a trip to Toronto where they participated in the Youth Arts Gala, featuring art from students aged 12 to 18.
The three hour bus trip and the events that followed saw students exhibit an array of emotions, said GC Huston Vice Principal Patricia Holm.
The artists are already receiving requests to have their Mshkokmii-kwe (Mother Earth) inspired exhibit on display in other locations.
The artwork being featured in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in Toronto, seen here at GC Huston Public School was (top, from left) Zaagaasod Bmibdeg (Sunset Flight, acrylic on canvas) by Ava Johnson (13), Giizhgwaanzod (Sky, acrylic on canvas) by Jeri Carter (13), Dbiki Naangoonsag (Stars at Night, acrylic on canvas) by Naiemah Kagige (13) and Bbaamwinaad Miiknanns (Guiding Path, acrylic on canvas) by Lexis Ritchie (12), (bottom, from left) Wii Noopming (Future Bush, ink on paper) by Dakoda Thompson (13), Giizhgat Miinwa Dbiki (Day & Night, acrylic on canvas) by Lucas Misquadis (12), Mtigoog (Trees, acrylic on canvas) by Aiden Sky (12), Mskwi Dbiki Giizis (Blood Moon, acrylic on canvas) by Noah Johnson (12) and Dbiki Giizhgwaanzod (Night Sky, acrylic on canvas) by Mhiingan Kahgee.