The Kenora Catholic District School Board opened its doors to over 300 people on Saturday, April 16th for the first ever Family Art Jamboree. The event was hosted in partnership with the Lake of the Woods Art Community, Q104 and The Ontario Arts Council as well as many community sponsors that donated money for refreshments or services to support the event. The event hosted 29 different workshops with 12 local artists. Families could participate in two different workshops from felting, beading, traditional dance, jigging and square dancing, drumming, hip hop dance, paper making, writer's craft, fused glass, harp and storytelling and pottery. The event had an overwhelming response and was designed for children from Kindergarten to grade 6 to experience the variety of local art with a family member.
Tammy Bush, one of the event organizers, talks about why the event was focused on families. "We wanted this event to be an opportunity for children to spend time with a family member engaging in an activity together. There are so many activities for children in our community where parents sit and watch but we wanted to see our families interacting and enjoying time together. We saw lots of smiles throughout the event so we feel we achieved our goal. We are thrilled with the response from our artists and our families. Kenora has a rich arts community and it was a great opportunity to bring everyone together."
The response from the feedback was very positive. Here are a few comments shared:
"We really enjoyed the square dancing and jigging session. It's great to have an example of two cultures creating something together."
"The activities offered today were fabulous. All offerings were activities our family has never tried before so it was fun and engaging."
"Today we felt a wonderful sense of community. Loved it."
"We would love more than 2 sessions. We were just warming up!"
"This was a genuine effort to celebrate First Nations culture and traditions. Well done."
"We really enjoyed that this activity brought together all the elementary schools - École Ste-Marguerite Bourgeoys, Pope John Paul II School, St. Louis School and St. John School."
"I really like the idea of offering activities that parents can do with their kids."
"This experience was a great way to introduce families to the arts."
"I really liked beading with my mom."
"I liked everything about the Family Art Jamboree. We are impressed. What a wonderful exposure to a variety of artists and cultural experiences."
"We would LOVE to see this again next year!. Thank you to all the organizers, session leaders and volunteers for your time and talent."
Students in Lee Ann Hawkins' Felting class got to be part of a global art project. They got to do needling on this piece of art. It is a collaboration through the Community Arts Hub. The next stop for this piece of art is Spokane Washington.