Monday, February 22, 2010

Eklektika? I likey!

I attempted the panorama goodness again, using Paint to stitch them all together. This is actually about 7 pictures.
Amazing. Interesting. Expression. All words the young artists themselves used to describe the experience of Eklektika, an independent arts festival put together by Treeline Public students. The nouns and adjectives don't even come close to expressing the momentous force of organization and beauty situated at Beaux-Arts Brampton from the 9th to the 13th.

I didn't have any expectations when arriving just before 8 p.m. for the gala that Thursday (the 11th). As I walked up to the doors of BAB, I quickly realized that maybe a few expectations were key. First because a slew of others DID have expectations and the place was packed full of students, parents, siblings and loved ones watching the performances and checking out the art works and secondly, because the energy and support were contagious. If you weren't careful with that atmosphere, a person could go crazy with the giddiness.

Once managing to scoot my way forward past the doors where performers were on stage I was able to see so many different things, so much other hard work and creativity everywhere. I don't know where to begin to express it but maybe I don’t have to do it all. That’s what pictures are for. There was the ipod wall, where students had each expressed their I-ness and did it in the style of the ever so popular commercials, utilizing silhouettes. There were eerie landscapes and portraits. Almost set up like a fancy cake, there were pretty lil' pinch pots. Sugar skulls gave props to El Dias de los Muerto (The Day of the Dead) while African masks contrasted and the students composed an Anti-Vandalization Graffiti wall. Surprisingly, my favourite work was the plastic bag princess dresses. I was surprised not because of the skill made to craft it but because I generally don't tend to feel synchronized to fashion; yet, reworking and beautifying the mundane of plastic bags is always awesome. It gets me thinking...

I have pictures and video, performance and interviews with some of the students and one Ms. Goyeau. I've posted the pictures here; but the video's going to have to wait. I want to give special props to Leah-Ann Goyeau who was the prime teacher who helped the students put this event together and is one of our members here at the Council. Bravo, Leah-Ann! :)

I'm interested to hear what those who attended, or anyone for that matter, thought of the event or specific works. If you wrote a blog entry about your experience, post the link. :) Sharing can be good. :)

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

You have 26 days to complete your challenge...

Starting today, you have only 26 days left to shake yourself off and get out to the Peel Heritage Complex to take in the visual culture, historical heritage and concrete records of Peel Region. After February 28th, 2010, the Peel Heritage Complex is closed for over a year while renovations pursue expansions and revitalization. Re-opening is expected to happen in the fall of 2011. So take it all in while you can.... and because I said so. :) In case that's not enough, consider FREE days for the Complex are the 15th and 28th.

What you have to look forward to in 2011...

Photo Credit: Goldsmith Borgal & Company Archietects