TOM Initiative Shows Off Student Artwork

The Tom Thomson Art Gallery is launching a new student art initiative around recycling, reducing and repurposing materials.

The gallery says the Upclycing TOM initiative is a partnership with Owen Sound Waste Watchers and students from Keppel-Sarawak Elementary School.

The entire school, which included classes from Junior Kindergarten to Grade six, was asked to recreate the iconic painting, Northern Lights, using only recycled materials like single-use plastics, old clothing, books, and magazines.

“Throughout the winter months, students worked on creating these upcycled versions of Tom Thomson’s famous painting and it resulted in 16 outstanding recreations, which are now on view at the gallery for the month of April,” says the TOM.

The art pieces will be on display in the gallery’s atrium until April 30, which will also fall on Earth Day festivities on April 20. In May, the student pieces will be moved to several locations in the River District.

As part of this project, the Owen Sound Waste Watchers have also launched on online platform to assist teachers bring attention to the issue of single-use plastics.

Principal of Keppel-Sarawak Elementary School Laurie Gilkinson says, “this opportunity enhanced our learning in visual arts and the history of local artist Tom Thomson while increasing our awareness of environmental stewardship. We are honoured to have our students’ work displayed in the Tom Thomson Art Gallery as part of their Earth Day celebrations.”