Program gives youth more than just art on a canvas
- Andréa Ledding | May 30, 2016
Another group of talented artists have graduated from the Urban Canvas Project.
SCYAP held their eleventh graduation and closing ceremony for the Project on May 20th, with ten graduates showing their individual and group art at the Snelgrove Gallery at the University of Saskatchewan campus. Along with receiving their completion certificates, they also received congratulations and remarks from many supportive organizations and dignitaries.
Graduate Chlarissa Martell, after welcoming dignitaries, explained more about the program.
“The Urban Canvas Project is a full-time Monday to Friday commercial and fine arts skills enhancement and personal development project for young people between the ages of 16 and 30 who have faced multiple barriers to employment,” explained Martell, adding that skills, employment, community service, and portfolio building were some of the components, along with “an introduction to the world of art and its’ benefits.”
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Graduate Hope Rosie brought a greeting from the class, noting they had all grown from being nervous youth to being confident artists ready to move on to bigger and better things, after learning not only from their instructors but from one another.
“Art is what brought us together, into Urban Canvas Eleven. Thanks to our sponsors who let us know we were important and can do awesome things in our life,” noted Rosie.
Graduate Alexander Zimmerman then introduced Ministries from the Government of Saskatchewan, SCYAP, Eagle Feather News, and CARFAC as major sponsors making Urban Canvas possible, along with support from the City of Saskatoon, and Affinity Credit Union, and many other generous organizations and individuals.
“That list is simply too lengthy to go through, but their assistance is no less appreciated,” noted Zimmerman. Mayor Don Atchison agreed, congratulating not only the graduates but also the volunteers and donors, while provincial minister Mark Wyatt noted that over 2500 youth have benefitted from SCYAP programs over the years. Superintendant Dave Hague of the Saskatoon City Police brought greetings on behalf of Chief Weighill, and noted the courage of the artists in displaying their work, while EFN editor John Lagimodiere sent words of praise for the accomplishments of the youth and of SCYAP.
Other participants and graduates besides Martell, Rosie, and Zimmerman included Sam Bird, Lenny Bolton, Tristan Favel, Keesha Johnstone, Winnie Marie, Christopher Scott, and Lisa Lam. After all the remarks, the graduates were presented with framed diplomas by Mayor Atchison and their SCYAP instructors. The program concluded with thanks and remarks from SCYAP founder Darrell Lechman, who had special words for not only the graduates and sponsors, but the SCYAP board and volunteers, including Debra Dell, the widow of his best friend Kevin, both of whom were key mutual supports to Lechman and the founding of SCYAP since before it’s inception in 2001, until Kevin’s death a few years ago.
“It’s about the grads today, but they may not have had their day today without people like Debbie and Kevin,” noted Lechman.
A large mural which the students painted was being installed downtown later that day. SCYAP also promoted their public drop-in art times, their Art in the Park initiative in July and August, and their face painting team which does many events.