Community mapping is a creative way for people to express ideas, thoughts and feelings about the past, present and future, and share them with each other.
Powell River Diversity Initiative (PRDI) and Malaspina Art Society have partnered to host a community mapping art exhibition called Mapping the Heart of Powell River: Community Reflections from November 6 through December 3 at Vancouver Island University.
Maps in a variety of forms will be on display throughout the university foyer highlighting the diversity of people and places in the Powell River region. The opening reception will take place at 7 pm on Thursday, November 7 with artists and participants in attendance. Refreshments will also be available.
The exhibition will feature some of the maps that were created through PRDI’s community mapping project. Over the past year, more than 30 community groups were engaged in mapping activities and events. Participants ranged in age from preschoolers to elders. In addition to the maps on display, a booklet cataloguing many of the maps and the mapping process will be launched and available to the public at the opening reception.
“The community mapping project has been about allowing participants to work from their hearts in a creative form; to express their thoughts, feelings and/or memories connected to this community,” said Sara Blum, PRDI coordinator.
The variety of maps and mapping activities include a henna map made at the Art of Women’s Health Conference held in Powell River in March, and intergenerational mapping with residents from Olive Devaud Residence and School District 47 Jade Coast students. “Participants had fun while creating something meaningful,” said Blum. The project was funded by EmbraceBC and the Government of Canada.
Malaspina Art Society and PRDI invite the public to participate in the project and submit a map for the exhibition at 6 pm on Tuesday, November 5 at the university. For more details readers can contact Megan Dulcie Dill 604.414.7020 or visit the society's website or facebook page.
