The municipality of Sainte-Barbe launched youth-led urban art project on April 11, in partnership with the Lucie-Benoit municipal library and Une Affaire de Famille.
The goal is to create at least one piece of permanent public art within the municipality that will be incorporated into the village’s urban design.
The youth committee, which includes young people between the ages of 12 and 18, is accompanied by Vicky Blouin – the municipality’s recreation, culture, and community life coordinator – and local artist Manon Gauthier, and Alexandre Marcotte of Une Affaire de Famille.
“The goal is that we have some fun,” said Blouin, as she introduced the concept of urban art to the small group gathered in the library. She explained that when the municipality had approached her about hiring an artist for the project, she suggested they work with area youth instead.
Workshops will take place on a weekly basis through the months of May into June where participants will decide on a theme for the work while learning about different art techniques. The group will also visit some examples of urban art in different municipalities for inspiration.
Around ten children from across the Haut-Saint-Laurent have signed up to participate, but more are welcome to join. The goal is to present the final product on June 19 with a public vernissage and presentation. Gauthier noted that to reach this objective, they will need “many hands.” (SR)