Thanks to Deirdre Potash for the inspired program description below.
Over the past few weeks, youth at Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School in Quebec, have participated in an interdisciplinary arts project that encouraged them to explore environmental awareness through visual art, literacy, and leadership values. Inspired by life in the water, students created metal embossed fish artwork and developed meaningful slogans that reflected their responsibility to protect the planet.
Through hands-on artmaking, discussion, and collaborative reflection, students deepened their connection to nature and recognized the importance of protecting Earth’s essential resources—clean air, water, and food—for future generations.
With teaching artist, Deirdre Potash, youth explored metal embossing, an art technique in which simple tools are used to press and raise designs into thin metal sheets. Inspired by aquatic life such as tropical fish and sea turtles, students created textured artwork that captured the shimmering qualities of underwater creatures. Through pattern, texture, and reflective surfaces, students also discovered how artists represent the beauty of the natural world.
Then, building on the artwork from Workshop 1, students reflected on their responsibility to care for the planet. Using the LEAD values, youth developed environmental slogans with author Lori Sherritt-Fleming (visiting virtually from BC) that expressed their commitment to protecting Earth. Not only did youth learn about art and creative writing, they also explored:
Social Sciences: Students deepened their understanding of society, community, and their role within it while reflecting on environmental responsibility and stewardship.
Personal Development & Well-Being: The project encouraged self-awareness, empathy, and responsible decision-making related to environmental sustainability.
Citizenship & Community Life: Collaborative discussions and shared creative experiences strengthened students’ sense of community and active citizenship.
Watch for the finished artwork and slogans which will be incorporated into a short video presentation and shared here at a later date!
If your school or community would like to host a similar youthLEADarts workshop, contact us at info@youthleadarts.com