Alberta Arts Day at My Daughter's School

 On September 30th, 2011, I was the "artist - in - residence" at my daughter's school. I was asked to help with a school-wide project that coincided with Alberta Arts Days, a three day long celebration of arts and culture in Alberta. Quin goes to a Francophone school, which is entirely in French. I am ok in French, but my husband was raised in French and English and is fully bilingual. I try my best, and I think that opportunities to help like this are great for both my learning more French and for the children to learn more art.

 Cecile busy at work...

Cecile Kessler, who runs the after school program, asked me to assist in facilitating this project with her. Last year she bought several 3 foot by 3 foot canvases with the hopes that the classes would each paint one to decorate the community centre in the basement of the school. She decided that Alberta Arts Days would be a good time to do this. The canvases will grace the walls of the centre, and will later be auctioned off with the money raised going back into arts education.

This painting uses the kids' hand and foot prints... 

The students and teachers were given the theme, ouverture sur le monde, which is kind of like "gateway to the world" or "open to the world". They had a couple of weeks to think about what they might like to do on their canvases and by the time I arrived they were all ready to jump in and get started with their projects. I was just there to lend a hand, to run and grab materials they needed, and to give any advice if asked. They all did a wonderful job working together and making their vision for their canvases a reality. It was inspiring to watch them at work, and I am truly happy I was a part of the day.

My daughter, Quin, surveying her class canvas...  

I don't show kids on my blog without their parents' permission. Because of this, I only have one image of my daughter and the rest of the images focus on the actual art work....

A student places an image from a magazine on the collage...

This class decided to make a paper mosaic on this peace symbol, using images from magazines

One of the finished collages... 

Another amazing collage...isn't inspiring?

Merci beaucoup for asking me to be a part of your art day! I hope to see you again soon...

Whyte Museum "Capture the Colours of Fall" Exhibition Opening

In the province where I live, Alberta, there is a three day annual celebration called Alberta Art Days. This year's dates are September 30th - October 2nd.

I have had a packed couple of art-filled days. Today, I was supposed to assist with another Personalized Paddles event but it was raining cats and dogs, plus it was COLD, so my role was cancelled. I never really sweat these type of last minute changes in my schedule, since they usually end up happening for a reason. And so today, rather than sneak away from my post for a short while to attend an opening for a show that my work is in, I was actually able to go to the opening for several hours. This allowed for several opportunities including perusing the art with my family who then left so I could to talk with the curator (and glass artist), Ciara Hossick, learn from and talk shop with fellow fine art film photographer, Joseph Kurucz, and to film a spontaneous spot for Resort TV. The show, "Capture the Colours of Fall" is hosted by The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, and will run until November 15th, 2011. The show is in the Swiss Guides room and features 20 Alberta artists.

Capture the Colour of Fall Exhibition at the Whyte Museum

Bankhead #2 by Tiffany Teske Original Fuji Emulsion Lifts approx. 3x8", matted & framed 8x10"

Fall is my favourite time of year. I smile when I see the yellow leaves blowing past my feet and when I hear them crunching underfoot. The fresh, crisp air makes me feel alive as I play outdoors with my kiddos. I have always enjoyed capturing fall with my camera so I was excited when I saw the Whyte Museums call for local art with an autumn theme. One of the places I love the most in Banff is the Whyte Museum. This area is steeped in history and there is so much to learn about it at the Whyte. They also regularly host juried shows that feature local artists. I currently have work in an exhibition in their Swiss Guides Room, as part of their Blossoms and Botanicals Show. The next show is, Capture the Colour of Fall, and I had three pieces selected from my submission. I delivered them today, as the wind blew the leaves from the trees. The show runs from October 1st to November 15th and the opening reception will be on October 1st from 1 - 4 PM. This opening coincides with Alberta Arts Days. I will be at the opening from 1 - 2 PM that day, if you would like to come by and say hi. And if you can't make it, the pieces are shown here... have a happy fall!

Golden Leaf by Tiffany Teske 

Original Fuji Emulsion Lift 

approx. 3x4", matted & framed 8x10"

Bankhead #1 by Tiffany Teske 

Original Fuji Emulsion Lifts

approx. 3x8", matted & framed 8x10"