It promises to be a full day of artistic expression.
The Creative Learning Community is presenting Arts in the Fraser Valley, an exploration of the arts on April 25.
The community was established last year and is composed of a group of local teachers who are passionate about the arts and arts education.
This event is the group’s first, and it takes place at 12:30 p.m. and again at 6 p.m. at various locations around Abbotsford city hall (32315 South Fraser Way) including the Civic Plaza, Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, The Reach, Clearbrook Library and the school board office.
In all, four schools are involved in the project: ASIA: North Poplar, ASIA: Sumas Mountain, Robert Bateman Secondary and Blue Jay Elementary, including about 350 students.
“It’s kind of a walking tour of the arts,” explained Deana McLean, a teacher at ASIA: North Poplar and an organizer of the event.
Dancing, singing, drama visual arts, a little bit of everything will be featured. According to McLean, some of the exhibits will be constant while others will have specific start times.
The event is being held in conjunction with BC Arts and Culture Week (April 21-27).
“We have approximately 350 students involved in this,” she said.
McLean, along with fellow teacher Rachel Lack, were inspired to create the event after going to Florida for the Arts Schools Network Conference.
“They had created a similar community of arts teachers in their district and they had done an event at the aquarium where they were showcasing different things.”
It was decided to try and duplicate that in Abbotsford.
She said the hope is to grow the event each year, adding more and more schools as needed.
Tickets for the event are $2 for students and $5 for adults and are available at the event or by contacting Alison Lilly at ASIA: North Poplar at 604-859-3101 or email to alison_lilly@sd34.bc,ca
The following is a list of some of the events taking place on the walking tour:
Civic Plaza 12:30 p.m.
Opening ceremonies with Mayor Bruce Banman and the singing of O’Canada accompanied by North Poplar students
Students explore integrated concepts through dance from ASIA North Poplar.
Matsqui Centennial Auditorium
Watch students from North Poplar, Sumas Mountain and Blue Jay explore integrated concepts through dance.
Matsqui Centennial Auditorium Lower Foyer
Experience instrumental music from students at North Poplar and Sumas Mountain
Clearbrook Library Meeting Room
Watch the well know play Chicken Little in French presented by Grade 5 Students at ASIA North Poplar
Clearbrook Library Front Stairs
View decorated umbrellas by North Poplar students
Wooded Area by Civic Plaza
View individual North Poplar student monologues inspired by “The Lorax”
School Board Office
Watch students from Robert Bateman and North Poplar create a Gustav Klimt-inspired painting
Reach Lobby
Listen to students from North Poplar