Hummingbird Project Photos

 

 

 

 

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“Humming Bird Project Lands in Deverill Square Park”

It may have been gray and overcast, but nothing could dampen the spirits of the 200 Bayview Elementary school children who crowded into Deverill Square Park last Friday morning to celebrate the grand opening of their very own “Little Hummingbird Project.” Members of the South End Community Association were there to cheer them, feed them, and thanks to our venerable old Tea Wagon, provide the many parents, teachers and attending Mayor and council members with a much appreciated hot cup of tea.

We were all there to celebrate the completion of a rather special art project that originates in the story of “The Little Hummingbird” by Michael Yahtulanaas, a first nation’s artist who has interpreted and illustrated an old indigenous legend from South America. Bayview Elementary has adopted the story as a simple yet moving parable about how great things can be achieved, one small step at a time.

 

It’s been a rich process in many ways. The tangible outcome has been over 200 brightly painted art panels that have been hung in clusters along the surrounding fence line of the park. The images are inspired by the story and all the animals and birds that helped the little hummingbird put out a great forest fire, one drop at a time!

 

Local artist Yvonne Vander Kooi and school principal Diane McGonigle lead the process and worked with the children and staff over the past couple of months to complete the art panels. Snuneymuxw First Nations Youth Center contributed a number of panels, as did other residents in the neighbourhood who participated in a series of neighbourhood workshops. Yvonne also painted 10 larger panels that adorn the park entranceways and flank the smaller panel galleries

 

The enthusiasm and pride expressed by the children was quite wonderful to behold. The project has been a marvelous way to bring the story of the little hummingbird to life and show the children that together, they really can make a big difference in their community.

 

The project has been funded by the City Of Nanaimo, Parks Recreation and Culture, Volunteers in the Park Program and is a terrific example of how public art projects can enrich and contribute to the well being of a neighbourhood. Councilor Diane Brennan really struck a chord with me when, as she was congratulating all the children on their wonderful art work, she told them that she thought they lived in a great neighbourhood full of adults who care about them and appreciate them. It was a lovely sentiment that perfectly captured the essence of the day.

 

 

 

 

 

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