School 17

This was a C.A.S.P. project
(Community Artists in the School Program - 2003/04.)

In January, 2004 students in grade 5 at Westervelts Corners Public School learned about painting techniques through a mural making project. The design for the mural was inspired by Canadian Artist, Norval Morrisseau.


	Inspired by famous native Canadian artist, Norval Morriseau, students in grade 5 participated in this mural making project where each student designed and painted his own whimsical polar bear. But these were no ordinary polar bears. By choosing symbols from Native Canadian folklore, students could express ideas though their artwork. The polar bear was carefully chosen for his symbolic value. As protector of children, the polar bear also takes an important position among the stars of the night sky as the Great Bear Constellation, also known as the Big Dipper. The students’ polar bears, finding direction from the north star, are connected to each other and also to the constellations with lines known as “communication” or “energy” lines, also used by Morrisseau in his own artwork. These lines speak of our connection to the universe as a whole.
*"Everyone had a chance to be creative." - student*


*"I learned that deep down we are all great artists and that polar bears are fascinating creatures." - student*

*"I learned how to paint properly." - student*
*Students planned their artwork:*


"The benefits cannot be measured. The students were extremely inspired and proud. They saw many tie ins as we meshed social studies, drama, visual arts, language and science together." - Grade 5 teacher

C.A.S.P. (Community Artists in the Classroom Program)

The purpose of the C.A.S.P. project was to connect professional, community artists with schools, students and teachers. C.A.S.P. provides a support and extension of the visual arts curriculum that engages students in quality arts activities while modelling appropriate processes for the classroom teacher. Sixteen C.A.S.P. projects were launched across the Peel District School Board in the 2003 / 2004 school year, connecting a wide variety of artists with sixteen different schools in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon.

This innovative project was funded by a grant from The Centre for Education and Training through a partnership with Curriculum and Instruction Support Services, the Brampton Arts Council, Visual Arts Mississauga and community artist, Judy Willemsma.

See also www.peelsb.com