Western inspiration

They say a change is as good as a break! But what if you can have both? AGO’s April Break: Spring into Art continues with free virtual programming, daily from 2 to 5 pm through Friday, April 16. And to change things up, we’ve invited the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Canadian Opera Company to join as partners to introduce new artists and educators from across the country. 

Founded in 1931, the Vancouver Art Gallery explores historical and contemporary art from British Columbia and around the world. It also showcases works by First Nations artists and those from the Asia-Pacific region.

We caught up with our partners at VAG to chat more about this week’s activities. We asked the gallery’s Family Programs Coordinator Christina Jones and artist Cole Pauls about their daily routines on the job and what fun art activities kids can expect to do during their sessions. 

Christina is presenting the VAG's line-up of activities for April Break alongside local artists. On Wednesday, April 14, she will introduce Allison Hrabluik’s film, The Splits (2015), followed by a movement and sound effects experiment using at-home objects!

Cole is an award-winning TahItan First Nation comic artist, illustrator and printmaker based in Vancouver. On Thursday, April 15, he will show us how to create a truly out-of-this-world zine.

Printmaker and illustrator Cole Pauls.

AGOinsider: What's a typical day for you on the job?   

Jones: There really is no such thing as a typical day when it comes to developing Family Programs. Being flexible and adaptable and implementing new learning is the only constant. Of course, much of my work is done through emails, many meetings and phone calls – but it can include everything from searching for inspiration for projects in the world around me to experimenting with materials on my kitchen table to doing research about and speaking with artists. Most days, I am literally making a mess and learning from it.

Pauls: I usually wake up around 10 to 11 am and make coffee. I'll answer emails or do any immediate work while I drink my first cup. Once I'm done with my administrative work, I jump into the fun part – drawing. Depending on what I have on my plate that day, that could mean sketching a project to get it approved, penciling an already approved design, inking an illustration or comic page or editing a project in Photoshop! On a busy day, I'm drawing for about 12 hours. If the deadline isn't so immediate, I'll probably work six to eight hours that day. While I draw all day, I'm listening to music, watching TV or a movie. I'm a night owl, so I usually stay up till 2 or 3 am.

AGOinsider: What are you hoping to show people during your April Break activity? 

Jones: Through the April Break programs, I am hoping artists will show participants that there are many ways of sharing stories, as well as the importance of sharing who you are and what you have to say. Participants will be invited to experiment with sound, movement, painting, storytelling, drawing and collage processes as they dive into deeper understandings of the choices artists make to share their own stories and ideas in powerful ways.

Allison Hrabluik asks “If we are open and curious, what do we notice?” As we watch her film The Splits together, participants will be invited to reflect on actions and movements that relate to play, their everyday life and the activities that they love and then act them out along with us! We will pay close attention to how sound transforms films, creating connections and rhythms as we experiment with creating sounds with objects from our homes. I will be sharing some of my own sound experiments, while participants interpret the sounds, before revealing how they are made. Participants will be left with the inspiration to create their own experimental film or performance art that combines sounds and movements from everyday life as they notice something new and exciting! 

Pauls: I want you to leave my workshop knowing you too can create zines at home. All you need is a pen, paper and a printer! You probably have most of those things at home and you might have not realized you can start your own publishing company in your room!

Our April Break: Spring into Art programming continuesuntil Friday, April 16. Be sure to tune into the final line-up of art-inspired conversation and maker activities. All sessions will be livestreamed from AGO.ca with no registration required.