Juniper Housing Pop-up Art Gallery
Art gallery installing in progress.
In September 2024, we had the opportunity to try a new project spearheaded by board member Julie Yu: an intergenerational art event at Juniper Housing, a local seniors' complex in Saskatoon. This project aimed to bring together multiple generations to create community art. The themes centred on community and collaboration, exploring how older and younger generations can create art that speaks to their unique experiences.
On September 2, 2024, forty kids and seniors, ranging in age from five to ninety, came together to enjoy this art workshop. Jinglu Zhao, a local Saskatoon artist, facilitated the session. The art room was open from 1 pm until 5 pm. We asked participants to register for "sittings" at the start of every hour.
Each participant selected their canvas, then worked with mixed media (paint, magazine clippings, fabric and more) to complete an individual piece. Once done, participants could join Jinglu in creating a large collaborative piece. The group made three such larger pieces by the end of the day.
This workshop was an excellent opportunity to promote intergenerational learning and connections between older adults and kids. We presented all of the art at a pop-up gallery opening on September 8, 2024. The installation remained up until the 14th.