COLD LAKE - The Cold Lake Public Library recently invited students from Elizabeth Settlement and LeGoff School to participate in an art contest.
Cold Lake Public Library Community Librarian Cecilia Wingerter, explained, "In June, we celebrate National Indigenous History Month. Art can provide a natural and safe way for children to express themselves. Having the theme of Indigenous History Month, we wanted to give the children an opportunity to showcase their cultural heritage through their paintings."
Some of the students took what they were learning in school as inspiration for their artwork. Several canvases have paintings representing the turtle as students from one of the schools were learning about the seven sacred teachings and during the month of May, they learned about truth symbolized by the turtle.
Nearly 60 paintings are on display at the South Branch of the Cold Lake Public Library until June 20, created by local children.
Some of the different painting techniques they used were pointillism, paper collage, and mixed media with beading and stencils.
"All the library visitors have a chance to vote for their favourite painting," Wingerter added. Voting ends on June 20 and prizes will be awarded to the three paintings with the highest number of votes. Winners will be announced on June 21 - National Indigenous Peoples Day.
