Also opening tomorrow, in the Community Gallery, is What’s Your Message, by students from Ecole St. Marguerite D’Youville in St. Albert. Here’s what teacher Pam Wilman sent us about the project:

In our modern world individuals convey their messages using a variety of media. Technology is a vital aspect of material culture in Canada and youth relay their messages on Facebook, text messaging, talking on cell phones and by documenting their activities using digital images sent to their friends and family instantly via their cells. The inspiration for digital media is found in the nonmaterial culture or the values, beliefs and norms of our society.

Handcrafted messenger bags made from reclaimed items and embellished with multiple materials convey individual messages repeated in the photographic images. This installation represents the experience of creating a tangible item as process for creating the digital representation of that tactile or physical experience. Themes ranging from popular culture to organic images, inspired by nature, illustrate students’ voices and cultural values; the digital images extend these messages. The purpose of this exhibition is to show how nonmaterial cultural inspires material culture.

The show includes work by Taylor Bengert, Jill Campbell, Amy Dittrich, Thomas Fenton, Megan Hebert, Katie Henderson, Lauren Henderson, Spenser Kantor, Michaela Kryger, Rebecca Lazarenko, Mikayla Loewen, Kayla MacIsaac, Kaleigh McLagan, Emily McNamara, Jaclyn Repchuk, Sarah Shillabeer, Megan Vale , Brianna Wilson and Kayla Zimmerman with teachers Pam Wilman and Laurie Petersen.