Customers will have noticed the recent installation of ceramic “totems” at the Main Library. The following is further details on this unique project.

Youth Ceramic Public Art Projects

Directed by a community artist mentor Mary Catherine Newcomb and the Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery’s Director of Education Sheila McMath, this project has provided nominated high school students interested in the realm of public art the opportunity to construct a collaborative artwork. The artwork on display was created incorporating a modular system of construction with many smaller units assembled into the larger totemic works. Young artists gathered weekly at the Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery to construct the modular components that make up this series of sculptures. 
 
The Youth Ceramic Public Art project has provided unique portfolio development for students intending to pursue arts-related careers.  Students have been given the opportunity to focus on a project beyond the academic routine of school assignments – an artwork that exists in the world of the art gallery, contemporary artistic practice and public space. 

Since 2005, students from across the region have contributed significantly to the various CCGG sponsored public art projects – specifically two sculptures installed on the grounds surrounding the Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery. The “Many to One” Project was completed in Fall 2005 with artist mentor Carol Bradley and the Gateway Project completed under the direction of artist mentor John Hofstetter was unveiled in Spring 2007.

2010 - Artist Mentor:   Mary Catherine Newcomb    

 2010 – Youth Mentor:  Rachel Johnson

Artist Participants

Naqa Al-Tibheh       
Chris Chevreau                     
Elisa Divito                   
Jasmeen Gill
Kristen Heinitz        
Emma Herlick           
Laura Irons                  
Michelle Jackson
Kari-Anne Kooy       
Angela Mundie          
Desiree Nechacov         
Christine Scarlach
Brenda Schmidt       
Emma Schmidt         
Caelin Schneider           
 Erin Simpson    
Allison Sosnoski       
Virginia Tam             
Teo Vasilescu               
Janessa Williamson

Regional Participating Schools

Grand River Collegiate Institute

Bluevale Collegiate Institute

St. David Catholic Secondary School

Woodland Christian High School

Sponsored By

Waterloo Public Library,  Regional of Waterloo Arts Fund,  Pottery Supply House,  Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery, Musagetes Fund of the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation,  Community Fund of the Kitchener Waterloo, and Community Foundation.