YEG Dignity: Getting Started Together

On February 11th, the YEG Dignity Artists gathered together for an in-person artist session. We were warmly welcomed by our hosts at the iHuman Youth Society. Not only is the iHuman Youth Society well equipped with everything the artists needed, upon entering the space, you are greeted with unending beautiful artwork – created by youth – all throughout the building. 

We had a few minutes to explore and look around iHuman before getting our day started by enjoying some delicious lunch at the neighbouring Tee Pee Treats, which is a local Indigenous Cuisine restaurant owned and operated by Curtis Cardinal. Artists were able to chat, build relationships, and get to know each other over our meal. 

After a filling lunch, we headed back to the iHuman Youth Society where we were able to do some hands-on preparation of the panels for the YEG Dignity mural. The artists received their panels, as well as their supplies with the generous help of folks over at The Paint Spot. Each panel was buffed and primed with gesso so that the artists can take their materials home and get started on painting!

We closed off the afternoon with an improv workshop from Rapid Fire Theatre. We collectively shared plenty of laughs as we were challenged to work collaboratively with each other. We were asked to provide support in scenes, accept and be open to the ideas or “offers” of others, and to build trust and confidence with each other. The improv workshop was a really unique experience in team building as it allowed us the opportunity to step out of our comfort zone and expand into ways we can be creative with our imaginations and bodies. 

This gathering was the third time the YEG Dignity team met together and it was by far the most engaging in regards to building relationships and being in community with one another. It also gave the artists an opportunity to connect with each other in hopes that their collaborative efforts will be reflected in the final mural piece, which will be unveiled this summer. 

We are continuing to accept donations to our Canada Helps campaign for the YEG Dignity mural. Our goal is to raise $20,000 to support costs of artist fees, and art supplies and materials.