Art Jam Report

The Denman Island Community Art Jam, held on Nov. 13th at the Denman Island Arts Centre was a buzz of creative activity. Projects were set up at various stations in the room with simple instructions, fun materials, creative prompts, and some basic info and history about the process.  The artist trading card centre was a hit with the kids and there was a basket for trades. The typewriter was also popular and most of the kids had never used one before. Natasha brought a basket of Oracle cards with instructions to 'take one and leave one'. Oracle cards are post card sized, intuitive collages with random poetry much like Dada poems (see photos).  There was a collaborative book project, the Denman Island Alphabet book (see photos). Mail art projects were posted and some people replied to projects that inspired them (see photos). Info about the Significant Dream project and responses thus far were on display. (Check the Significant Dream project page on this blog to see recent replies). Many people enjoyed the reference corner with past projects, ATCs, catalogues, books and zines to pa-rouse. For some these modes of art making were exciting and new, a couple families with kids made a day of it!  

This event was hosted by the Natasha's ( Roxanne, LeeAndra and myself) and the Denman Island Arts Centre. 

collaborative alphabet book

'Hands Across the Water' mail art project

Oracle Cards by the Denmanastani Pythia

Community Art Challenge! Do you dare?

The post below is a copy of an article/press release submitted to the Denman Island Flagstone Nov. 2010 by LeeAndra Jacobs and Cathy Stoyko (me). If you are not in the Comox Valley area and can't attend, I hope this article may inspire you to create a similar event in your community!

Ready, get set, GO! Where? To the Denman Island Arts Centre, Sat. Nov. 13th, noon- 4PM.  Everyone is invited to drop in, create, and play.  When you come through he door you will find various tables set up with art supplies, projects, and prompts to inspire you to meet  your 'challenge'. One table will dare you to create Artist Trading Cards , the next will set you up to make an 'oracle card' or create a DADA poem. Yet another will have post card blanks and post cards to alter. Mail art projects from around the world will be posted, as well as lots of other inspiring collaborative projects ideas. This special art jam event will be co-hostessed by Cathy Stoyko, Roxanne Cowles-Macphail and LeeAndra Jacobs. Discover the magic of collaborative art, correspondence art , and creating together in a warm and inclusive atmosphere. All materials, tea/coffee, and cookies provided. This is for everyone, regardless of art experience, age...  Children are encouraged to attend but need to be accompanied by an adult. This event is by donation. Donations will go to cover materials and to support Arts Centre upkeep.
   The Denman Island Arts Centre has endevered to set the stage for various community collaborative art events. Beside the 'Art Challenge' on Nov 13, the centre will once again host a community collage night on Friday Nov 17th, 5-9PM. In past years, the Denman community has been invited to answer a question in the form of an 8X6 collage page. The pages are then collated into books which become time capsules reflecting the community sentiments in a year. Thanks to Cathy Stoyko and Cynthia Minden for making these books happen.
Hope to see you there!

P.S. I will bring my typewriter