Art exhibit showcases Saskatoon's core
- EFN Staff | April 29, 2014
The walls of Amigos Cantina are covered with small, colourful canvasses. Look closely and you will hear the voices of Saskatoon's core neighbourhoods. They are the visible expression of the diversity and wealth of talent of 60 artists of all ages and backgrounds. They tell stories of adversity and triumph, tragedy and laughter. They are the stories of our community.
he 10 x 10 Community Art Project is a social justice initiative of the Integrated Community Ministries of the River Bend Presbytery of the United Church of Canada. For the past five years, it has forged a living link between the core neighbourhoods and the rest of the City of Saskatoon and generated income for both ICM and the artists. The 10" by 10" canvasses were distributed free of charge to artists on January 15. They were displayed at AKA Gallery, St. Martins United Church and St. Andrews College prior to their arrival at Amigos.
Betty-Anne Person has been on the organizing committee since the first year.
"Through this project I've been privileged to experience life in the core through the individual expression of every artist who contributes. I've been a witness to new threads being woven among family and community members and a growing sense of friendship, pride and self esteem," she explains. "It's really special to see the sense of wonder in a child's eyes when they see their parents become mentors and heroes as their artistic talent emerges."
A new feature this year was the support of community builders Lorne Calvert, Heather Morrison and Marcel Petit as "Champions" of the project. They all donated their time and expertise to promote 10 x 10. Each of them also produced an original work of art which sold for a combined total of almost $300 at a live auction at St. Andrew's College on April 2. The organizers would like to thank these Champions as well as Art Placement, AKA Gallery, St. Martins United Church, St. Andrews College, SCYAP, Mothers Centre, Global Gathering Place, Open Door Society, CUMFI, Fire Lily and, of course, the local artists who honour us with their artistic expression each year.
The paintings will be on display until May 4 when the winners of the silent auction for each piece will be announced at a celebration party from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Amigos, 630 10 St. E., Saskatoon. Final bidding takes place that day between 2 and 4 p.m.
The event will also feature entertainment by local band Fire Lily, light refreshments, children's activities and a Toonie Draw.