About this Event
NOTE: Children must be between the ages of 4-7 years old. Please only register for your child(ren).
You and your child are invited to participate in an arts-based research-creation project, which will take the form of an animation workshop at Children's Book Bank, led by visiting artist and picture book illustrator Kathryn Durst.
The workshop is free to attend, and participation is completely voluntary; you can leave at any time if you choose.
PURPOSE OF RESEARCH
The intention of these workshops is to explore how art can help to nurture a lasting and mutually beneficial relationship between children and nature, through animation using plants and natural materials. The research topic focuses on using arts practices in conjunction with nature as a way to inquire about children’s understanding of climate change (and related environmental issues); it explores ways to navigate children’s emotional responses to these subjects through artistic expression.
Arts-in-nature practices guide children towards greater interconnection and understanding of themselves as part of nature, and can lead to a shift in behavior towards care and respect, and even motivate pro-conservation actions later in life. By incorporating methods such as nature walks, foraging for plant materials, stop-motion animation, drawing, reading, and group discussions about climate change and environmental issues, participants are offered a unique opportunity to build their own stories and memories with nature, while learning a new skill – how to animate!
WHAT WILL YOU BE ASKED TO DO
The workshop will last a duration 2 hours and will run with up to 10 participants. It will involve a book reading, taking part in a verbal discussion and reflection, taking part in a plant walk outside in the Regent Park Community Garden, and participating in a creative animation-centred activity.
While this workshop will not pose any risk to your child, be aware we will be walking outside, so please dress your child appropriately for the weather (sunscreen, hat, etc.). If your child has allergies (ie., bee stings), please bring appropriate Medic*tion and let us know in advance. In the event of significant rain, the workshop will be rescheduled. If your child has any accessibility needs, please let us know beforehand. The Children’s Book Bank – Regent Park is wheelchair accessible.
WORKSHOP GOALS
The end goal of this workshop is to produce a few seconds of completed animation per participant.
Event venue & nearby stays
Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas Street East, Toronto, Canada
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