Last June I volunteered to guide a group of grades primary-3 students (ages 5-9) in a collaborative art project. Here each student created a 3-D butterfly in colours which spoke to them. When brought together like this, the piece reflects their joy of learning and their part within their community. The piece continues to be displayed outside of the school office, and what fun it is to see the children continue to stop by and seek out their own part – their individual butterfly. I love how this collaborative piece comes together to be greater than the sum of its parts.
Considering art, collections and vibrancy ….. I can’t help but think of the fabulous realist Mary Pratt. Her vibrant reflection of daily life is uplifting and …..humbling.. This was part of a retrospective presented at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. If you’d like to see more about that show, you can do that here.
WPC – vibrant
Rose Bay Letters 
I don’t always like realists, but I love Mary Pratt. I think it is her subject matter.
Well, Mary Pratt is a master, for sure. What a gift it must be to see the beauty in everything.
What a beautiful piece of work you produced with those children. One that they will always remember. I don’t know Mary Pratt but the photograph of her paintings whets my appetite. I love this interpretation of the word ‘Vibrant’ …. because vibrancy is not actually about colour it is about life 🙂
Thanks so much! I absolutely love making art with children. It lifts me up! You are so right – it is the life in things that provide vibrancy. If you get a chance, you should look into Mary Pratt. She has a way with colour and light and finding the beauty in everyday objects – or, as she says, “making something out of nothing”. 😊 Thanks for dropping by……It’s always nice to visit with you.
My pleasure and I will certainly check out MP 🙂
What a great project with the children, Janet. And I’m hopping right over to learn more about the show.
Thanks Elen!! 😊
Not only are the colors and the story behind the first project vibrant, but reading allows you do anywhere and do anything. I am quite moved by that and I’m guessing that is why the children keep coming back. You did a good thing. 🙂
Thank you Judy, for such encouraging comments! 😊 This project was as gratifying to me as it is to them ….. Maybe even more.
I love the butterfly art project…as a teacher myself, I always enjoyed seeing striking displays of art work done by students, (with a guiding hand from an adult). I also like the work by Mary Pratt, the paintings are truly vibrant.
Hi! I’m glad you enjoyed both bits. Mary Prat is an inspiration…..and, come to think of it, so are the children! 😀
I love the butterfly project .. so clever and colourful. I hadn’t heard of Mary before – but her paintings are truly vibrant!
Hi Julie! Thanks! It was a fun project. Kids + crayons + butterflies = you can’t go wrong. 😊
Thinking of you and your beautiful garden…..
Thank you 😃