The Buzz Art Club provides students in Grades 8-12 with opportunities to explore their artistic talents, and craft original 2D and 3D pieces that mirror their diverse perspectives and passions.

During their annual Art-A-Thon fundraising event, students channeled their creativity into supporting charitable causes. Over the years, their artistic endeavors have generated substantial funds for organizations like the Red Cross and BC’s Children's Hospital.

Recently, a dedicated group of 27 students embarked on a monumental project and painted 25 large wooden panels, each inspired by the theme of food. The artwork highlighted a spectrum of perspectives from food insecurity and sustainability to celebrating cultural dishes. The exhibit opened on February 23, 2024 with proceeds supporting the Richmond Food Bank.

In celebration of World Read Out Loud Day, students gathered in teams and embarked on a literary journey led by their dedicated teacher librarian. This heartwarming event highlighted the magic of storytelling and brought about a sense of community and a shared love for literature among students and staff.

As students settled into their cozy corners and listened with attention, the excitement and joy leaped off the pages, transforming classrooms into gateways to far-off lands, mythical adventures, and heartfelt tales from across the globe. 

This immersive experience not only showcased the power of the spoken word but also demonstrated the importance of listening — fostering empathy, understanding, and a greater appreciation for diverse perspectives. The day was dedicated to deepening their love for reading and discovering those special stories that linger in memory long after the last page is turned.

While embarking on a captivating learning journey, Grade 1 and 2 students explored the fascinating realms of light and sound, expressing their newfound knowledge through imaginative art activities. Inspired by their curiosity, these young minds turned their discoveries into vibrant works of art, transforming the mysteries of the natural world into creative expressions.

One mesmerizing project centered around the Northern Lights, which was ignited by a student's enchanting experience in the Yukon. Looking at the science behind the auroras, the class used oil pastels to bring their interpretations to life and captured the beauty of this natural phenomenon.

In another engaging activity, students investigated shadow art. Collaborating in groups, they experimented with flashlights and classroom objects, discovering the concept of opacity and creating intriguing artistic shadows.

Venturing into the world of sound, students learned about its formation, sources and characteristics like pitch, tone and volume. Partnering with their big buddies, they embarked on a musical adventure, crafting instruments from various materials. From cardboard ukuleles to rubber band strings, these innovative instruments symbolized the harmony of collaboration and creativity in learning.

In an artistic venture fueled by collaboration between the Richmond Arts Coalition and the City of Richmond's Sister City Program, elementary students from both Richmond and Wakayama explored the world of watercolor painting. Despite the geographical distance, these young artists connected virtually, exchanging knowledge with esteemed mentors in each other's communities.

Exploring Japanese watercolor techniques, Grade 4 and 5 students, guided by renowned artist Hisayuki Doi, embarked on a creative journey. Through an online workshop filled with cross-cultural dialogue, they immersed themselves in the delicate strokes and vibrant hues of persimmons, daikons and mikans — fruits symbolic of Wakayama's rich agricultural heritage.

Simultaneously, across the ocean in Wakayama, a group of Kataribe Juniors eagerly honed their artistic skills under the guidance of Richmond-based artist Weila Suo. From cranberries to turnips to pumpkins, these young talents explored the diversity of produce synonymous with Richmond's fertile lands, infusing their artwork with a unique blend of cultural influences.

Join us on a journey of discovery and cultural exchange as we celebrate the boundless creativity and shared heritage of the Wakayama-Richmond Youth Art Exhibition, now available online until June 9, 2024. 

In a captivating exploration of art and community, students in a 3D studio art class sculpted maquettes for public sculptures that would enhance Richmond's cherished spaces. Tasked with envisioning public monuments for specific city spots, these budding artists unleashed their imaginations and craftsmanship to bring their unique visions to life.

Using various techniques, students transformed cardboard into detailed models, each serving as a prototype for their envisioned sculptures. From traditional methods to innovative approaches, each creation showcased the students' technical skills and creativity.

The creative journey extended further as students, armed with cameras and digital editing tools, blended their physical creations with Richmond's urban landscape. Through the magic of photography and digital manipulation, they superimposed their monuments onto the actual locations they were designed for, sparking conversations about the intersection of art, culture and community. This project served as a reminder of the transformative power of art to inspire, provoke and unite us all.    

In an animated encounter with "The Color Monster" by Anna Llenas, young students explored a book that dives into the world of emotions. Through a collective learning journey, they discovered the significance of understanding and expressing their feelings, and crafted their own colour monsters, each representing a different emotion:

"My monster feels calm and mostly happy, but sometimes my hands and feet feel mixed up and might accidentally hit or kick my friends."

"My monster is red hot mad, just like fire!"

"My monster feels scared, so he's hiding in all black."

These conversations provided a platform for children to explore complex emotions in a safe and creative way. One child even brought colour monster puppets to the book area, initiating discussions about feelings of love, anger and sadness. Furthermore, children engaged in sorting objects into jars to represent the colour monster's mixed-up emotions, fostering opportunities for role-playing and reinforcing concepts of emotional regulation. 

Collectively, the children collaborated on crafting a colossal colour monster with mixed emotions. Through colouring and discussions, they developed a deeper understanding of their feelings and learned the importance of expressing and respecting emotions.

Throughout February, elementary students immersed themselves in the Young Actors Project, a series of engaging sessions offered in both French and English across all grades. These sessions served as a stage for collaborative role-playing, while sparking the flames of creativity. 

Within the nurturing environment of the Young Actors Project, students felt comfortable to step out of their comfort zones and express themselves freely. This empowering space not only allowed each student to discover and amplify their voice but also became a catalyst for confidence, teamwork and an enduring love for the performing arts.

As the final curtains closed on this journey, the school community united in celebration, applauding the remarkable talents and profound growth witnessed in every participant.