Evergreen Heights Education Centre Paints Tom Thompson Reproduction

 During the week of Monday March 3rd 2008, Evergreen Heights Education Centre in Emsdale will be embarking on a painting adventure to re-create The West Wind, a reproduction of one of Tom Thompson’s most famous paintings. With the assistance of artist Gerry Lantaigne, who is the Art Director of the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery in Huntsville, Evergreen students and staff will have an unique opportunity to work on the 8’ x 10’ mural which will be hung on the front exterior wall of the school. This project is financially supported by the Town of Kearney as part of their Centennial Celebration.

 There are two reasons for this project. The first motivation comes from the school’s focus on integrating the arts into the curriculum. The teachers integrate the arts into the academic program as a framework to teach deeper meaning and promote reflective critical thinking. Students use sound and music, drama, creative movement and visual arts to make meaning in literacy, to understand an author’s message, as well as delve into the concepts of science, social studies and character education. Through exploration, the arts help the students to connect the concepts they are learning to themselves and to the world around them, extending their understanding and making learning more personal and relevant. Creating this mural will deepen the students’ understanding of what this area of Ontario meant to Tom Thompson and the Group of Seven and will allow students’ interpretation of the artist’s message.

 The second inspiration comes from the students’ involvement in the Town of Kearney’s Centennial Celebrations. The students were part of the design team that created the Kearney Centennial flag and will also be presenting projects about the history of the area at the Kearney Homecoming in July. One of these projects will be about the life of Tom Thompson, who spent many years painting in Algonquin Park, entering the Park through the town of Kearney.

 The concept for the mural was inspired by the wonderful reproductions displayed in the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery in Huntsville.  This activity is as a way for the students and staff to celebrate our community, and its unique surroundings.

 Evergreen Heights Education Centre appreciates the Town of Kearney’s support and financial assistance which will enabled the school to accomplish this project.  

For further information, contact: Judy Lacey, Principal Evergreen Heights Education Centre

at: 705-636-5955 or email laceyj@nearnorthschools.ca

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