Sunday, March 22, 2009

Paint your canvas : Stories about art




Opening conversations or any exchange between people can be challenging. If you can get a hello or how are you from a young adult and you have really accomplished something. They are described as having a language of their own. So how do we begin?

Why not try art? I recently visited the Lord Beaverbrook Gallery collection which was celebrating their 50th anniversary. Fifty lithographs including Andy Warhol and Alex Coville and before I knew it I was back in Ottawa.

Growing up there I visited the National Art Gallery as a matter of course. For years I would visit the gallery and discover everything I could take in. The sightt and smell of the middle ages, the textures and colours of the Group of Seven, the stories of life in countries around the world. It took a few years but I finally spoke to every piece. Now what that says about me is material for another time.

When asked how we reach out to the young adult today I truly believe it is in an ordinary conversation about art.

Art encompasses all that is life, the world and all that. The teen relates to that far reaching, unlimited vastness that is art.

Here are only a few suggestions for exploring art from the perspective of the movie goer.
If you like adventure, romance, danger and challenging authority, share these stories.

Be the teller,

















Sunday, March 8, 2009

Rendez-vous de la francophonie: Stories galore


Whether we speak English, French, or both, in Canada, we are aware of the connection we have with each other. Language joins us, explains our similarities and differences and draws on a shared history. Today language is more that cultural identity, it is our link with time itself.

Tied to all aspects of life language is a force to unite, reach out and create opportunities. Social, economic and cultural tapestries are woven around this unifying source.

Families share stories describing the influences in their daily lives. They create memories all the while living within their images of self and community.

The National Film Board celebrates its 4th Rendez-vous
. Between March 6th and 22nd enjoy the animated shorts and films presenting the diversity and uniqueness of the Canadian tapestry.

Be the teller,


Sunday, March 1, 2009

March and International Women's Day : All about stories



March sings with hope. It marks the nearing of spring.

Birds feel it, children sense it and we can smell it in the air.

Could it be that Reading Week for elementary school children sets it off?

It might be so. But for whatever reason I feel the coming of warmth, dryness and clear streets without snow and ice and that makes me smile.

March also signals the recognition of women's contribution around the world. March 8th is International Womens' Day . Though every country determines what their theme will be there are often times similarity of intention. This year the theme is Women and men united to end violence against women and girls. Governments around the world recognize the cost to and the impact on our social, economic and cultural lives violence imposes. Women and children have a right to a life safe from harm. When will it become a reality?

Only we as a world of societies may bring about this most needed change.


Throughout the world stories are shared between women, men and children about what is important, what is just and how we can achieve it for ourselves, for our families and for the world.


Visit the sites of countries around the world and join in this moment of hope and possibility.


Australia (142 events)

Bangledesh (3 events)

Canada (108 events)

China (4 events)

Ireland (14 events)

United Kingdom (215 events


Be the teller,