Prairie Land students have been busy exploring art with Métis Artist Krista Leddy, also known as the Beaded Chickadee.

In March, students from across Prairie Land joined Krista in online sessions in order to explore dot-painting together. The students from Kindergarten to Grades 3 explored colour choices and the story of five-petalled flowers in a series of hour-long sessions with Krista. The dot painting brings to mind the beautiful, intricate patterns of Métis Floral Beadwork, something that Krista is especially passionate about (and might we add…something she is incredibly skilled in. Check out some of her work at her website.) Krista shared that she is very proud of her Métis heritage, and the opportunity to share story and art with students brings her joy and fulfillment.

More recently, in May, Krista visited schools in person in honour of education week. During these sessions with students from Grades 1-6, students used pieces of scrap paper to evoke the artistry of fish scale art. Fish scale art is a medium which uses dyed fish scales as a way to honour the artist’s connection to nature. The intricate pieces of art are visual representations of how important it is in indigenous teachings to waste very little of the precious resources afforded to us by nature.

Students took up these artistic opportunities with excitement. Their stories about their connection to nature, to their communities, and to their friends shine through in their artwork. Ellen Vanderkolk, curriculum coordinator for Prairie Land Schools, shared that the opportunity was a fabulous way to bring social studies, science and arts studies into one fruitful learning experience. “Krista shared teachings from the Métis, important lessons about sustainability, and instruction in fine art through these sessions. Inter-disciplinary learning like this is a powerful way to learn, because students are developing conceptual maps that will allow them to transfer their understanding to many other topics. Plus, it’s a whole lot of fun!”