The Parks Division, of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, invited schools to participate in an Art in the Park pilot project, an initiative designed to engage students to celebrate Provincial Parks and encourage their artistic talents by painting picnic tables with “nature” and “outdoor recreation” themes.
Participating schools included École C.C. Loughlin Elementary, in partnership with Grenfell School of Fine Arts, in Corner Brook; Marystown Central High in Marystown; and Elwood Regional High in Deer Lake.
Each class received a wooden picnic table and a budget to purchase supplies such as paint and brushes. Participating classes named their work of art, including their school name and the year and the finished table will be displayed in a nearby Provincial Park.
To see the Art in the Park picnic tables drop by and visit:
- “Enjoying the great outdoors” by grade 4 students of École C.C. Loughlin Elementary at Barachois Pond Provincial Park
- “Art is but imitation of nature” by grade 12 students of Marystown Central High at Frenchman’s Cove Provincial Park
- “Nature is a Masterpiece” by grade 12 students of Elwood Regional High at Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park
Parks Division will be continuing the Art in the Park project this fall and encourages any schools or youth groups who are interested in participating to contact info@parksnl.ca for more information.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to get out in nature and take part in the wide variety of recreational activities Provincial Parks have to offer. For more information, visit: www.parksnl.ca.
Quotes
“Art in the Park is a great program that highlights the amazing artistic talents of participating students and their teachers. I encourage all residents to enjoy some time in our Provincial Parks this summer and hopefully check out one of these special and wonderfully designed picnic tables.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
“Fine Arts are a very important part of Newfoundland and Labrador’s K-12 curriculum. The Art in the Park pilot program experience allows students to explore their own creativity and express it for others to enjoy. This tremendous opportunity boosts students’ expression, confidence and creative skills. Congratulations to this year’s participants and I encourage more schools and youth groups to take part.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Education
“It’s wonderful to see our students and schools contributing to the beautification of our parks. Collaboration, creativity and citizenship are among the core competencies we aim to instill in all students. District staff and Board Trustees are pleased to see how our community can benefit when we all work together. Congratulations to all involved in this artistic legacy project.”
Goronwy Price, Chair
Newfoundland and Labrador English School Board
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Photos accompanying this release can be found at www.gov.nl.ca/releases.
Media contacts
Kathryn Summers
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-729-4819, 699-6147
kathrynsummers@gov.nl.ca
Tina Coffey
Education
709-729-1906, 687-9903
tcoffey@gov.nl.ca
Cheryl Gullage
Newfoundland and Labrador English School District
709-758-0032, 697-5856
cherylgullage@nlesd.ca