The art skills of students at a Lethbridge school are on display in the city.
On Tuesday, December 10, Park Place Shopping Centre unveiled a new art display created by students from Father Leonard Van Tighem School.
The display is titled ‘Courage to Soar’. Grade four teacher and one of the project leads, Emily Boutland says, “This collaborative art project embodies the spirit of unity and diversity at Father Leonard Van Tighem School.”
“Every student, from the youngest in Pre-K to the oldest in Grade 9, contributed to the project, illustrating how each individual’s input is valued within the larger community.”
The art piece integrates teachings of the Medicine Wheel in combination with the school’s virtues – honest, accepting, wise, kind and spiritual (HAWKS). Officials say the symbolism, teachings and colours of the Medicine Wheel – white, black, red and yellow – represent unity, the cycles of life and the interconnectedness of all people.
“Feathers are part of the hawk and the hawk is a big part of our Blackfoot culture,” says Fran Calf Robe, First Nations Métis & Inuit Facilitator at the west Lethbridge school.
“The four colors represent the Medicine Wheel, and the four directions is where all Blackfoot People travel from.”
The art project features an interactive component, allowing viewers to ‘stand tall’ beside the installation and embody the courage of a hawk, as well as reflect on what it means to be part of an inclusive and nurturing environment.
“Park Place is excited to continue our annual Art Wall project partnering with Father Leonard Van Tighem School this year,” said Jarod Neithercut, property manager for Park Place Shopping Centre.
“This new piece that’s now on display in our food court, Crave, is the sixth partnership we’ve had with a local school. We look forward to the creativity the students bring and we’re happy we can put their hard work on display for everyone to see!”
The art installation will be on display in the mall’s food court until December 2025.
