As we adjust to the social changes created by COVID-19. The Thunder Bay Art Gallery’s Public Programming Coordinator, Betty Carpick, introduced the Be Kind Project, a small way to stay engaged by bringing art and artfulness to people of all ages and abilities wherever they are.
To encourage health and safety at home, the project uses online spaces to share:
- Project Ideas using Easy to Find Materials
- Mood Boosters
- Inspirations
- Art in the Community
Follow the Be Kind Project online
MAY 25 2020
Like trees and shrubs, humans are relational, cooperation-oriented beings. With kindness, compassion, and reciprocity, we can grow and thrive.
In two months, the pussywillows that welcomed The Be Kind Project have rooted, sprouted leaves, and are now ready for planting. How have your attitudes shifted in the past two months? How have you spread positivity and helped others?
APRIL 22 2020
Happy Earth Day! Take time today and every day to celebrate our beautiful planet.
Be Kind Project
A mandala is a lovely process for all ages. Forage and gather natural materials from outside. Make a simple or intricate geometrical composition. Take a photo and tag #bekindproject and the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. Return materials to where you found them. #earthday2020
APRIL 9 2020
Be Kind Project
Eggs dyed with onion skins are an old tradition that creates beautiful golden, earthy colours. Easy for all ages, you can dye a single egg or more.
Instructions
- Wrap an uncooked egg with a few layers of yellow onion skins.
- Place the onion skin covered egg onto a cheesecloth or fabric square. Wrap securely and tie with twine.
- Fill a pot with 4 cups of cold water. Add 1 tsp. of vinegar and 1 tsp. of salt. Add the wrapped eggs.
- Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer and boil for about 15 minutes.
- Remove from the eggs and let cool while still wrapped. When completely cool, unwrap the eggs and let dry.
- For a glossy finish, dip a piece of cloth into vegetable oil and rub the egg with it.
#bekindproject
APRIL 7 2020
Do you see yourself in any of these emotions? Making art can help keep you resilient and focused during times of uncertainty.
Be Kind Project:
Choose one or more emotions. Using art and craft materials available to you, create something to reflect your feelings.
#bekindproject
MARCH 25 2020
Have some fun! Eggs are a way to involve a sensory component to an all ages art project. After cooking or baking, save the egg shells. Wash thoroughly and let dry. Paint or colour with what you have on hand. #bekindproject
MARCH 20 2020
When you get outside for fresh air and exercise, look for bird’s nests and admire the construction, diversity, and placement. Beauty is all around. #bekindproject
MARCH 19 2020
Enjoy the fun and meditative process of making. Around the world, scrolls are an ancient way of documenting. The birch bark scrolls used by the Ojibway Midewiwin or Grand Medicine Society pass on knowledge between generations.
Be Kind project #1
- Make a handmade scroll for yourself, your family, and/or your friends.
- Use your imagination with easy to find materials.
- Cut fabric or paper to approximately 4 inches wide by 2 feet long. For the rods, use two pieces or dowel or pencils.
- Innovate! There aren’t any rules.
- Decorate using watercolours, inks, pencil crayons, etc
- Decide what you want to write, draw, mark, or incorporate!
Share your scroll with the hashtag, #bekindproject
