At Andrew Sibblald School, students currently have the pleasure of a Travelling Exhibition Program (TREX) featuring Artworks by Kalum Teke Dan and Ryan Jason Allen Willert, in the Learning Commons. This week, students in Room 12, had the opportunity to observe and analyze different paintings from the Niitsitapi Pi’kssii (Blackfoot Fancy Beings). This particular exhibition features artworks that depict animals, or fancy beings significant to Blackfoot culture. It was especially exciting for students to see some of the same animals that they had learned about when creating our ‘Creature Power’ cards earlier this year while discussing the Seven Sacred Teaching Animals.

While observing the paintings, students were asked to reflect on which painting drew them in the most and why. In addition to this, students wrote about what they liked about the painting they chose to observe and what story they thought the artist was trying to portray.

Learning Intentions: (Connected to Grade 3 Fine Arts Curriculum)

• I can analyze different forms of artworks
• I can show an appreciation for different forms and styles of artworks
• I can interpret artworks by examining their context and less visible characteristics
• I can identify that artworks are valued for different reasons

Next week, using the Discussion Guide, students will continue to engage in meaningful conversations around these artworks, by being prompted with questions such as:

• What do you notice about the animals within these artworks? Can you name all of the animals you see? (Students will then try to learn the Blackfoot word for each of the animals)
• Have you ever heard a legend or story about any of the animals present in these artworks? If yes, what was the story about and what did it teach you?
• In some of the paintings, there are pawprints or hoofprints. How can we learn about the behaviour of animals by looking at their tracks?
• Why is it important for us to maintain balance and harmony with nature and with the animal cohabitants of the lands we live on?
• Do animals have an impact on one another in the wild?

In addition to this, students will also engage in some drawing prompts and create some animal trading cards. We look forward to this work and learning unfolding in our classroom!