Year 6                                      2003-2004

Art for Life Calendar Project.

We would like to acknowledge C.M.H.A. Medicine Hat for the sharing this concept, recommendations and advice for our calendar project.   We built from their concept to expand the target population, co-ordinate several art gallery shows and host a gala event. The Camrose project invided artists from a more diversified population to participate. This included, but was not limited to school students, college and university students, local artists' guilds and persons with developmental disabilities.

Six pieces of art were selected through a people’s choice ballot at a Gala Event. This artwork was reproduced into calendars. These six pieces of art were also be framed and displayed in local venues including the Camrose Public Library and Camrose and District Senior Centre and local churches. The gallery showings  not only displayed all the art submissions, but also pertinent suicide awareness information such as warning signs, local statistics and resources.

Artists were provided with an information package to assist them in addressing this topic through art. The art gallery shows reached several populations including students, seniors and the general public. Media releases also increased awareness of this project. The gala event, a premiere showing of the artwork, provided us with a public venue to acknowledge and thank our sponsors, educate members of the public as well as public figures (e.g. Mayor, ML.A., M.P. and media) and spotlight our artists.

The calendars were distributed in September (calendars will run September 2004 to August 2005). Targets for circulation included students at junior/senior high schools and post secondary institutions, public library patrons, clients and staff of partner agencies, and other venues throughout Camrose and district.

The winning entries were: