‘Inspiration’ strikes at George Pearson Centre
Langara students David and Maria with GPC resident Greg in front of the photographic art piece, Fraser River
The Exhibition
Langara Art History students were recently paired with 10 George Pearson Centre residents to collaborate on photographic art for Pearson Centre walls with the theme of ‘Inspiration’. The result was two recent art exhibitions held at George Pearson as well as at Langara College.
Each photographic art piece was created to represent images of objects, sites or people that inspire Pearson residents, with the added benefits of creating new friendships, wonderful memories and beautiful art.
Ron Stedman, the Centre’s recreation supervisor who worked with staff, residents and students to make the project a reality says, “It started out with an idea that we needed some quality artwork for Pearson residents to enjoy and morphed into working with Anne Kristiansen and her Art History students at Langara on this second collaboration.”
Stedman adds, “It’s so wonderful to have young, enthusiastic students come in and energize and inspire our residents. I think it worked the other way around too, with the students being inspired by our residents.”
A Smoke and a Beer
That certainly was the case with Elizabeth and Kali, students who worked with Pearson resident Wayne on A Smoke and a Beer.
“Wayne is a great storyteller,” says Elizabeth. “This project provided such a great opportunity to get involved in a wonderful program. It really opens your eyes to see who the residents are as real people. I’ve made a great friend and it’s definitely been a wonderful experience all round.”
Wayne’s photo of himself in the Centre’s canteen has real meaning for him, because he says the canteen is where he goes to meet with friends, tell stories and connect. The canteen is his place of inspiration.
Fraser River
David and Maria, Langara students who worked with Pearson resident Greg on Fraser River, also enjoyed the experience.
“Greg is very inspirational,” says Maria. “In his own right, Greg is a fantastic artist and carver, so he naturally had many great ideas for this piece. It was also a chance for us all to go to the river and enjoy the experience first-hand of what inspired him.”
Greg remembers the many First Nations traditions that he and his brother would participate in when they were kids, including swimming in the Fraser River even in the winter, which inspired his collaboration. In the image, Greg holds up a paint brush to signify his active participation in the art and in his own life.
Continued ‘Inspiration’
The photographs from the exhibit will now grace the walls of George Pearson Centre where they can inspire both staff and residents for years to come.