Budding artists learn new skills at VIU

Vancouver Island University Education professor Heather Pastro is doing her part to teach and support budding artists.

A grade five/six class from McGirr Elementary School recently visited Pastro’s classroom at VIU to learn about Gyotaku, an ancient form of Japanese printmaking.

“It was discovered when fishermen came back with their catch,” explained Pastro. “Fish were weighed on scales, and there was a lovely fish print remaining on paper used to line the scales. It became a popular art form that’s still practised today.”

Students in Leslie Olsen’s class watched a video to learn about Gyotaku, and then visited Pastro’s art room at VIU’s Nanaimo campus to make fish prints.

“We used water-based inks and traditional rice paper, trying to work in the authentic style and technique,” said Pastro. “The children worked cooperatively in pairs and explored a variety of colour combinations and created many beautiful prints. As the prints were being made, we listened to some Japanese music, and at the end of the lesson I read a story about a fish from a children's book illustrated with fish prints.”

While the prints were drying, the students toured the library, the art building to see the different classroom studios, the Nanaimo Art Gallery, the music building where they heard an ensemble rehearsing. The group also visited Tamagawa Gardens to see the koi fish.

In addition to her teaching duties at VIU, Pastro loves to organize art classes for young children because “I’m an advocate for the importance of art in children's education.

“Art teachers need to be advocates and role models for positive art-making experiences,” she said. “I try to provide opportunities for their success in an environment that is supportive and encouraging, yet challenging.

“I hope that they leave seeing things a little differently, with an attitude that is open to new ideas and feeling a sense of positive self-esteem.”

Building healthy community connections is something Pastro takes to heart. “I think it is important that VIU fosters relationships with our community,” she said. “These young children are fortunate to be growing up with a university in their home community. Hopefully, many of them may eventually come to VIU. Through experiences like this, we can help ensure the university environment is a friendly and welcoming place.”