Exploring Mural Painting: Creating Large Scale Art with Chris Bose

A few months ago an opportunity arose for art students at SKSS that doesn’t come up very often. We were given the chance to volunteer our time and work on a mural that would be going up in the hallway once completed.  Interested students talked to the artist in residence at our school, Chris Bose. At first, Lauren Mark and I were hesitant about the project but soon grew to be very dedicated towards the process. We split up the 5 panels between the group of students that had volunteered, and got started right away. Lauren and I were immediately drawn towards a panel that had a sketch of a balancing rock on it with some trees and the outline for a sunset. As we started to mix the colours in large amounts we realized how different this would be from our regular class painting assignments.  A few of the challenges we faced during the whole process were: textures of student painting styles, mixing the right amount of paint, and creating a connected colour palette. Over time, Lauren and I ended up taking on more commitment to painting than we had originally planned. In fact, by the end of the project we had assisted and guided the completion of all five panels.  The last few weeks were spent fussing over little details and making sure everything was to our liking, before we finally decided that we were finished. Lauren and I had an awesome time working together and combining our ideas to create something that we are both very proud of. I am so glad that I took advantage of this experience and was able to learn so much and spend time doing something I love. The many hours spent during class, lunches, and after school were all worth it in end when I get to see our art lighting up the hallway every day.

Written By: Kate Mey, Grade 9

A Special Thank you!

Local Kamloops artist Chris Bose recently completed an artist in residency at South Kamloops Secondary School.  This project was made possible through ArtStarts unique program: Artists in Schools. We are thankful for this opportunity and enjoyed working with Chris in the classroom! Chris shares his vibrant and friendly personality through active art making, risk taking in creative processes, and many conversations about contemporary artistic culture.  Perhaps most importantly, he shares specifically about his diverse processes, image development, and current art making: poetry, music, graffiti, art teaching, travelling, painting, exhibiting, collaborations, sketchbook explorations, stenciling, mentoring, and many crazy art adventures!  However, what is most meaningful about Chris’ passion for the arts is his underlying connection to Aboriginal culture and how this voice is embedded throughout his work.  It was a pleasure to learn from your creative nature, Chris!  Thank you for making time to connect with local student artists!

SKATE IT! OR HANG IT?

South Kamloops Secondary Art 9 & 10 students are thrilled to share our finished skate decks!  Students worked hard to complete personalized images which reflect a diverse range of technique and concepts.  All involved enjoyed working local Kamloops artist Vaughn Warren, who guided the project from beginning through to completion instructing students with specific airbrushing techniques.  Reflecting on our completed project, we would like to recognize and thank many individuals and groups for supporting our unique adventure of inviting a working artists into the SKSS Art Department.

Firstly, we would like to thank Ms. Caroline Hilland, Vice Principal at SKSS.  Ms. Hilland, in collaboration with Vaughn Warren, developed a specific grant proposal to funding the skate deck project through ArtStarts.  By connecting artists to work in classrooms, ArtStarts supports the development of enriching learning opportunities in visual arts by supporting artists in school programs.  Thank you to ArtStarts for funding artist Vaughn Warren.  Also, a huge Thank You! to OLIVE Skateboarding for their continued support of student artists in Canadian schools.

Most importantly, we would like to thank Vaughn Warren for his artistic expertise, energy, and enthusiasm engaging student learning.  In addition to airbrushing techniques and individual idea development with over 55 SKSS art students, Vaughn shared aspects of his portfolio through a collection of past and present proposals and finished artworks.  In sharing his current work, Vaughn introduced students to an active process of a working artist.  The students were surprised and excited to recognize local artwork created by Vaughn.  In fact, one student realized her family had purchased one of Vaughn’s paintings!  It is a wonderful connection for students to identify artwork in our local Kamloops community.  Throughout the project, students embraced Vaughn’s friendly personality and approachable teaching style – enthusiastic to have his advice and opinions on their working designs.  We are grateful to Vaughn, as an exemplary artist-in-residence, who engaged SKSS students through an opportunity to develop new skills, connect to the local artistic community, and create meaningful artwork.

Lisa Yamaoka & SKSS Art 9-10 students