the SOCIETY RECORD - Nova Scotia Barristers' Society

The students appreciate
the opportunity to express
themselves, but they also hope
to shatter negative stereotypes
about Spryfield by sharing
their ideas and talents with the
wider community. Principal
Tim Simony is understandably
proud of the students’ efforts
and their commitment.
“One of the things about all this student work is that it doesn’t compromise
on quality,” says Simony, who has a degree in art education
from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design.
“You can’t say, ‘Well that’s pretty good for a group of students’. The
level of quality and finish is always up to a professional standard.
Which talks a lot about how when you have high expectations for
the students, and you help them get there, they can always meet the
standards.”
Emile Kuchler, Head of the Fine Art Department, says the art room
is much more than just a comfortable spot to hang out, eat lunch and
interact. “They’re doing a phenomenal amount of work, coming in
after school too … they’re really passionate about it.”
The creative process is not always smooth for students, Fels adds:
“Sometimes there are obstacles and sometimes even tears of frustration.
But they are learning to solve conceptual, creative and technical
“No one ever steps in the same
river twice, for it’s not the same
river and they are not
the same person.”
problems together as a group.”
This communal process has been
similar for the justice projects every
year, with students working
on their own individual pieces
that form a larger masterpiece.
While they work, they share stories
and laughs, and it’s not so
different from a quilting bee, a shared studio space or the net-tying
tradition in the fishing industry.
“For a lot of students, that’s a very unique experience,” says Simony,
adding it’s ultimately helping students learn to build strong networks,
care about each other, and “find out more about the larger community
because they’re having these authentic interactions.”
It’s an exciting time for the high school, also involved in developing a
new community arts centre and performance space in a reconverted
auto shop nearby. It’s absolutely pivotal having staff like Fels in the
school system, says Simony, because cultural programming clearly
has a positive impact on students.
“You do have to really push for it, preserve it, and put things in place
to ensure it keeps on going,” he says. “Sabine has been forming longterm
relationships with the Department of Justice, the United Way,
lots of different funding and granting organizations. With every successful
project, it’s that much easier to do it again. That’s what we’re
trying to, is keep the momentum going and expand on it.”
Nautilus Mural of Truth: A perfect fit for the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal
A colourful mural
invites viewers to
think about the
meaning of truth
as they enter the
Nova Scotia Court
of Appeal.
“The mural is
amazing,” says
the Honourable
Michael MacDonald, Chief Justice of Nova Scotia. “People who
come and go from these courtrooms stop and look at it, and then
they smile ... my fellow members of the judiciary included.”
Under the guidance of local artists Miro Davis and Renée
Forrestall, the Nautilus Mural of Truth was created in 2011,
in a collaborative effort by students at J.L. Ilsley High and
Rockingstone Heights schools, as well as Team Possibles (young
adults with Down Syndrome) and the Phoenix Youth Program.
“I am very pleased and proud that the mural has found a home
in our courthouse. And the theme fits perfectly with the Law
Courts because that is a big part of what we do here ... look for
the truth,” says Chief Justice MacDonald.
It’s just one of many public artworks created through Spryfield’s
Youth on the Radar Project, funded by DOJ Lighthouses Grants.
The innovative cultural program also encompasses film, dance,
music, theatre and much more. Just a few other highlights:
• At the Captain William Spry Community Centre: an incredible
mosaic mural at the outdoor skate park, and a waterfall in the lobby
made from recycled water bottles
• At the Halifax Provincial Court: three artworks on the second floor;
and performance of the opera “Trial by Jury” during Nocturne 2011,
in partnership with the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Nova Scotia
• Spoken word performances during a visit by the former Governor
General Michaelle Jean, at the launch of the new Youth Arts
Foundation
• An art display and performances at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
on December 6th, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on
Violence Against Women, in partnership with the Nova Scotia Status
of Women Council
• Film projects in partnership with Viewfinders, the education division of
the Atlantic Film Festival, including two documentaries for “Building
Legends” about Mi’kmaq culture: The Mi’kmaq Canoe Project and
the Mawio’mi Project
• “The Four Elements”, a science art project of J.L.Ilsley in partnership
with ArtsSmarts Nova Scotia and artist Renée Forrestall, on display
at the Department of Education
Spring 2013 35