AIRS VIRTUAL EXHIBITION 2019/2020

This exhibition celebrates the work and learning of students that took place across the 2019/20 school year with artists in the studios and remotely.  Artists invited students into unique journeys of material explorations and self discovery through a variety of mediums including drawing, painting, comics, textiles, printmaking, sculpture, assemblage, sound, film and new media.  The interruption of COVID-19 in March posed a unique challenge, stretching artists to find creative ways to make art accessible for students in the context of physical isolation. What is shown within this online exhibition represents just a small sampling of the depth of learning that took place for students across the year not only in art ways of thinking and knowing but also in realizing their own innate capacity for self expression, connection and imagination through art.  Each work, is a living representation of a unique, reflective and reciprocal encounter between self, materials, and the world that is full of communicative power and authentic voice. 

Each work of art is an act of generosity that invites us as viewers into a meaningful encounter. 
Please take the time to look slowly and reflectively and allow these works to touch and transform you in powerful ways.

The AIRS program would not be possible without the commitment and dedication of many. 
We give thanks to all the artists, who through unique vision, dedication and care, invited students into diverse and wondrous experiences and material explorations.   Thank you to the lead teachers, for their time, commitment and support in facilitating the program at their school.  AIRS is also grateful to the donors whose financial contributions made this program possible this year.  These include the Betty Wellburn Legacy Award, Emily Carr University of Art and Design,  Higher Ground Holdings, The Rennie Foundation and the Vancouver School Board.  Finally, this exhibition has been made possible by the exceptional work of Sadie Couture who compiled and transformed artist documentation into an incredible online experience to Yunuen Perez Verrtti for her technical support, to Rebecca Heyl for her guidance and to Ceyannah from Queen Alexandra Elementary whose beautiful work we've used as the exhibition home page. 

Enjoy the exhibition!

- Maggie Milne Martens, AIRS Director