Thursday, January 5, 2012

Visual Poetry at Eclectic Gallery

VISUAL POETRY - POETS AND ARTISTS COLLABORATE FOR A CAUSE
EXHIBITION: JAN 9 - 14 - RECEPTION: MONDAY JAN 9, 5-7 PM
ECLECTIC GALLERY, 2170 OAK BAY AVENUE

Something different is in store for the art world this January, as Eclectic Gallery and St. Michaels University School have come up with a unique concept. The gallery will host a special show featuring original artwork and poetry by SMUS Senior School students to raise money for two global charities focused on creating opportunities for youth.
All funds generated will be given equally to War Child Canada and to the Amma organization, specifically its primary and secondary schooling projects in India.
For the first time in the school’s history, creative writing students and art students in Grades 11 and 12 will combine their talents; the SMUS artists will illustrate poems from the young poets. Inspired by the verse from their peers, the students artists will employ print-making techniques to capture and contribute to the meaning of the written words.
“Art and writing are a natural collaboration, especially when the writers work with imagery as a theme,” says art teacher Jennifer McIntyre. “All of our artists are enthusiastic about working with the writers and incorporating their personal artistic styles.”
The exhibition, fittingly entitled “Visual Poetry,” is the first of its kind. The show itself was conceived of by two SMUS teachers. McIntyre, who is also an instructor at the University of Victoria and well-known local artist,suggested the idea to writing teacher Susan Stenson, an accomplished poet whose work has been short-listed for the CBC Literary prize.
“The writing calibre of SMUS students is well-known across Canada,” says Stenson. “Many of our students have won the Canadian League of Poets national youth poetry contest.”
The Visual Poetry show will open with an opening reception for general public on Monday, January 9 from 5 to 7 pm. The poetic prints will be on sale from January 9 through January 14 at Eclectic Gallery, 2170 Oak Bay Ave.
Everyone is encouraged to attend the show and support two vital organizations dedicated to helping children worldwide.

CONTACTS
John Taylor, Eclectic Gallery: 250.590.8095 or eclecticgallery@shaw.ca.
Erin Anderson, SMUS: 250.370.6169 or erin.anderson@smus.ca.
EXTRA INFO
War Child Canada, the charity selected by SMUS, helps children who have experienced violent conflicts to
overcome poverty and challenges of life in war-torn countries. Eighteen million children worldwide have been forced to flee their homes due to war. Amrita Vidyalayam is one of the many charities of Amma, an Indian based non-profit organization which has built 56 primary and secondary schools in India, providing a vital education to children. Eclectic Gallery decided to donate its portion of sales to Amma.
Eclectic Gallery

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