Art Articles & Reviews

} Youth Arts Program In Jeopardy - Sponsored by HRDC By Paul Constable I received an email the other day from one of the instructors of this urban youth program for Aboriginal youths in Saskatoon. Arnold Isbister has been instructing and working with these youths for the past year. He forwarded a hand-full of images his students had finished - I was pleasantly surprised. Debbie's Harlequin Cynthia's Demons Charles' Salome You ask why I should be surprised - after all they are in an 8 month accelerated Arts Program? One should expect their skills to be approaching a finished level. I guess I was expecting to see some Aboriginal imagery, after all Arnold paints and draws incredible native dreamscapes, so I assumed his students would be learning similar skills. #*~#&^*WRONG! Speaking to Arnold one night he explained the importance of learning from the painting masters. We are talking about the European Masters. He oversees and encourages hand drawing (no tracing) and painting of all the images selected from his personal art reference books. Artists are paired up with a masterwork of a style the artist is interested in. Negative space, variance of line, colour, value, texture, perspective and gesture are all taught. Sounds like an art school to me, remembering back to my own arts education. Sheena's Cow Joey's Matador Semesters are 8 months in duration. 12 youths between the ages 16 to 30 learn to develop commercial art skills and the opportunity for personal growth and community involvement. Participants in this group will be painting the recycling depot fence on 22nd street, as well as a mural at the Mayfair Pool in Saskatoon. This is a 'feel good program' Isbister goes on about his students. "It is a life-changing experience for many", he says. Of the thirty-five graduates from the first Urban Canvas Project, sixty-seven percent have gained employment and seventeen percent have returned to formal education. Alison's Wyeth Curtis' CardPlayers The Saskatoon Community Youth Arts Program's (SCYAP) funding from Human Resources and Development Canada won't be renewed when this project ends in early 2004. At the end of this term, Human Resources will have funded three projects, but Government regulations limit funding. NOW I'M MAD!!!*#@!&^* Groups like SCYAP will gratefully accept any kind of funding, even short term. What amazes me is the short sightedness the Federal Government has regarding programs like this. They know there is a need and that they require continued long-term support and commitment. What has been done to-date proves the effectiveness of their sponsorship. How can they walk away from their commitment and hide behind a clause that legally lets them out of their contractual agreement. Human Resources have provided one hundred and forty thousand dollars for the latest Urban Canvas Project. It costs One hundred and sixty thousand dollars to run each project. Curtis' Picasso Alison's Portrait Greg's Dock SCYAP president Darrell Lechman would like to start an after-school program and a weekend drop-in art center for youths. Without the funding this whole program will be in jeopardy. THERE'S NOT MUCH TIME LEFT! These hard working individuals are committed to this Youth Arts Program. Remember 84% of the graduates from this program are already progressing to better their lives. It's all about education and a positive outlook on life. This program needs the support of our Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments as well as Public, Business and Corporate sponsorship. Sherri's Dali 2 JoPoe's Bather Remember elections are looming for all three forms of Government. Contact your Alderman and MLA in your area. Let them know your concerns. You can make a difference. If you can help or know of a group that provides aid for youth programs like this, please contact Darrell Lechman at the Saskatoon Community Youth Arts Program. #3- 1770 Saskatchewan Ave., Saskatoon SK (306) 652-7760 or email him at [email protected] _________________________________________________ Paul Constable is the Director of Artists In Canada. He is a Painter / Printmaker and Senior Graphic Designer for an Advertising and Communications company in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He is also a contributing art writer to "Life In The City" Paper in Saskatoon. Paul Constable can be reached by email HERE. His paintings may be viewed at: www.ArtistsInCanada.com/pconstable. Your suggestions for future articles are welcome. _________________________________________________ © 2003 ArtistsInCanada.com