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Arts for Children of Toronto's
Environmental Awareness Arts Program

Arts for Children has introduced environmentally based arts workshops into its roster of activities thanks to the generous sponsorship of HSBC Bank Canada. Workshops are available in visual arts, drama, music and dance. These programs are designed uniquely for each program recipient with special attention given to environmental themes.

Organization that have participated in this program include:

• Blessed John XXIII Catholic School
• Etienne Brule Junior School
• Greenholme Junior Middle School
• Parents Without Partners
• Regent Park - Parents for Better Beginnings
• St. Albert Catholic School
• St. Brigid Catholic School
• Winchester Public School

Sample Program – St. Albert Catholic School

Arts for Children organized a series of printmaking workshops for the children of St. Albert Catholic School, located in Scarborough. The premise of this program was to integrate basic concepts of environmental education with meaningful visual arts experiences. In merging both curriculums, students could openly explore the elements of nature and the impact humans have upon it, using visual means. These colourful prints feature images inspired by the child's view of their "ideal environment." The "holographs" were made by first preparing a printing plate using a variety of materials. Colourful inks were layered on top of the plate and then paper was placed on the plate to allow the image to transfer. Children from grades four to seven participated in this program under the instruction of AFC Artist Linda Blix, a professional printmaker.