Our beadwork-inspired dot art workshops have been proving very popular this year! After working with staff at Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and students at Broadview Public School, our third workshop took us to Madahoki Summer Camp, where we had the opportunity to try something a little different.
In our previous workshops, participants created individual 4" x 6" canvases, using dots, colours and patterns inspired by Métis beadwork. This time, we challenged the campers to think bigger, much bigger!
Four groups of elementary students, with 10 students in each group, worked together to create 16" x 48" canvases. Instead of each child creating their own small piece, everyone had to contribute to one large work of art.
It was wonderful to watch the excitement build as the campers worked together. They had to share ideas, choose colours, and, most importantly, work as a team. A canvas this large would be difficult for one person to complete in an hour, but together, the campers were able to create something that none of them could have easily accomplished alone.
The workshop also gave us a chance to talk about how dotting techniques can be used alongside Métis symbols, patterns and designs inspired by traditional beadwork. While the finished canvases were beautiful, we loved seeing the teamwork, creativity and enthusiasm that went into making them.
There is something special about watching young people realize that when everyone contributes, even a very big project can come together. The four finished canvases are a wonderful reminder that art can be about more than creating something beautiful. It can also be about learning, sharing and creating something together.
We are grateful to Madahoki Farm and the Summer Camp team for inviting us to share beadwork-inspired dot art with their campers. We are looking forward to seeing where this workshop takes us next!
