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In the Spring of 2009, they hosted a three week Exploration project, with the help of the Sk Arts Board & Living Sky. They brought in many artists (both local and from around the province) to introduce students to the many ways of making art and expressing ideas. Following the success of this project, they decided to apply to the SK Arts Board, once again, for an Artist in Residence program for the 2009/10 school year. A classroom in the school was renovated into an artist studio - complete with mirrors for the dancers and actors. The committee for the project was Louanne Stenson, Michelle Ramsay, Lee Luyben-Switzer, Sarah Bradfield and Sherron Burns.
"We Have a Story to Tell" was the theme for the 5 guest artists at Cut Knife High School. Ashley Johnson introduced students to creative dance and created an extramural dance troupe (including students from Chief Poundmaker school) who performed their original dance for the Olympic Torch Relay; Kelly Daniels taught traditional singing and some drumming while Brad Bellegarde brought a contemporary approach in the form of Hip Hop music and Rap; Holly Hildebrand built interest with her unique style of mixed media and opened students up to many ways of creating as a Visual artist; and finally, they ended with a short residency with actor and story teller Simon Moccasin who introduced them to acting techniques and developing a character through story. All guest artists, regardless of discipline or medium, focused their work on the theme of "our story".
After a full and exciting year, the school was covered in student art and they were eager to sign up for a special 2 day collaboration with the artists. Ashley, Brad, Holly and Simon worked with 40 students to collaborate on a final celebration and performance for the public. The production was a true fusion of the Arts and celebrated student, culture, language, history, harmony, love and unity. The students showed confidence, an openness to the process and a maturity in thinking and skills that was gratifying to witness. We could see that they had "come a long way" in their development over the year spent with the artists. Thank you to all who made this happen, and to Living Sky School Division, Sask Arts Board, and Sask Lotteries for funding."
Story submitted by Sherron Burns.
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