When Anmore Elementary’s Parent Advisory Council approached local artist, and mom to three boys at the school, Bronwen Belenkie to assist with a silent auction to raise funds to enhance nature-based learning and play she was eager to oblige. Bringing keen enthusiasm and accomplished talent, Bronwen collaborated with the school’s teachers to imagine unique pieces to be created by students in each class. The professional-grade canvasses showcase themes from nature and the children’s daily lives, with subjects ranging from forest to sea, reflective of the picturesque Anmore/Belcarra region. Belenkie is grateful to have had an opportunity to share her talents and vision with youngsters from the local community. “This was such a rewarding project to be a part of,” she said. “Every student enthusiastically contributed to their class painting and each piece is so special as a result. I am so proud of the students and their work.”
The response from the Anmore learning community has been overwhelmingly positive. Students eagerly contributed to each work of art with passion and creative flair. Teachers were enthusiastic to share their classrooms with Bronwen and welcomed her inherent talent for mentoring artists of all ages. Grade 3 teacher Karin Allison reflected, “Bronwen is an extremely talented artist who also understands children. With her calm manner and amazing patience she gave students clear artistic boundaries while still allowing their creativity to flourish.” The project attracted considerable support among parents, many of who volunteered in classes to assist students in bringing their ideas to artistic fruition. “It was so exciting to watch the kids buzzing with enthusiasm about creating such beautiful masterpieces that would eventually grace the walls of a neighbour’s home,” observed Kelly Leswick, who volunteered to create canvasses in both of her sons’ classes.
Anmore Elementary principal Nicole Daneault notes that the project united teachers, students and families in a powerful way. “When a community comes together to support learning, children benefit. Welcoming Bronwen, and the parents and caregivers who assisted her, as a professional artist was extremely inspiring. This project was an opportunity to unite passions that embody the Anmore/Belcarra community: Love of nature, learning, art and neighborhood. And the beautiful works of art our community has created are lasting keepsakes of this rewarding experience.”
The six exclusive student works will be auctioned off in a combination of online and live bidding.
The Anmore PAC invites interested bidders to visit their Facebook page http://facebook.com/anmoreschool; online bidding will remain open until 9:00 pm on Saturday, February 25th.
For social butterflies, bidding will also happen live at the PAC’s Pub Night at Burrard Street Public House, Saturday, February 25th, 6:30 pm.
Works to be auctioned:
"Elementary Tree" – 36×48 acrylic and canvas multimedia on wood panel
Ms. Ng's Kindergarten class
"Indian Arm Seascape" – 60×24 acrylic on canvas
Ms. Stephen's Grade 1/2 class
"Nature in Our Schoolyard" – 36×48 ceramics on wood panel
Ms. Meroniuk's Grade 1/2 class
"Anmore Starry Night" – 36×48 acrylic on wood panel
Ms. Allison's Grade 2/3 class
"Buntzen Lake View" – 48×36 multimedia on wood panel
Ms. Whiffin's Grade 4/5 class
"Animals in Our Woods" – 60×24 acrylic/multimedia on canvas
Mr. Nordheimer's Grade 4/5 class
Grade 2 and 3 students collaborate to create "Anmore Starry Night"
Belcarra artist and Anmore Elementary parent Bronwen Belenkie
