Young artists radiate creativity

CHARLOTTE PETRIE

Seven young Iqaluit artists make their artistic debut at the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum this weekend as they present Projet Soleil, which runs from May 17 to 24.

Using the sun as their theme, they painted, sculpted, photographed, videotaped, stained glassed and unmasked their own radiant artistic talents.

Francophone children between the ages of six and 11 worked throughout the school year creating vibrant pieces for this once-in-a-life-time opportunity.

Sponsored by the Association des francophones de Nunavut, Projet Soleil involved working alongside – but apart from – budding young artists in France.

Coordinated in conjunction with Volontariat et Soutien par L’Art, a group based in Paris, the children were directed to produce numerous works of art using the same theme.

The local exhibit includes works from the Parisian kids as well as the local youngsters. And the children are all very excited to see their work travel to Paris to be displayed once again alongside their foreign friends at the Abbaye de Port-Royal, June 4 to 6.

The artistic and cultural exchange between the youngsters of Iqaluit and Paris was designed to increase the children’s knowledge of a different land, and share their experiences and activities.

The two groups have been working on this exhibit for nine months, exploring numerous artistic vehicles including a short video presenting their environment and artistic creations.

Projet Soleil was created by Aurelie le Marec, a volunteer at AFN. A native of France, le Marec was familiar with similar projects in Paris. Together with AFN cultural and community sector employee Marie-Eve Fiset, the necessary contacts were made in France and the project began to take shape.

Iqaluit artists Gillyan Kennedy, Emilie Meredith, Robert Comeau, Yanick Jephson, Philip Comeau, Amielle Jephson and Wisdom Johnson have been working on the exhibit since October.