THE SPIRIT OF ME

 I have been teaching mask making since 2007. The Spirit of Me is a self-development, self-discovery integrated art program. It is designed to heighten awareness, enrich thinking and purpose - to encourage individuals to have higher standards and expectations for themselves.

"It was fun because we made the masks from our hearts."

                    Please click HERE for images in the online ARTSTARTS directory.

In brief, my focus as a facilitator in the classroom is on helping students expand their perspectives on life and learning. Teaching goals include:

• an inspired ability to recognize the personal power each individual holds within themselves
• understanding that one need not 'settle', but can expect so much more from life as long as there is the will to invest in self-discipline, self-awareness and self-exploration  
• learning the value of setting goals and making promises to oneself.

Another major component of The Spirit of Me program is:

•  utilizing art as a constructive means of release. Facing inner turmoil in a positive, creative way provides an opportunity for personal growth through the transformation of fears into challenges. Emotional exploration is a large part of releasing for students, especially when they realize there is an emotional connection to an event, person or thought and begin to understand how they feel about it.

While students reflect on many topics discussed throughout the process of creating their own power mask, they are also asked to write an artist's statement about their journey. 

Please click HERE for a selection of wonderful examples, 
including photos of completed masks! 

For a full list of the children's projects I have facilitated since 2007, please scroll further down the page. Immediately below is a short description of my mask-making program for all ages. Please click HERE to get in touch! 
                                                                                               
                                                       - Meghan Carich 

Self-Developmental Program for Schools 
 Individuals and Organizations

An Arts Integration Program that encourages self-development and self-discovery through a self-exploration art program.  To challenge creative expectations and at the same time to learn more about personal character and the importance of "Knowing thy Self".

You will have learned far more about yourself and where you want to go in the future by challenging your ability to set personal goals and  understanding self-worth.                            

Art is healing and forgiving, it is also about letting go of old and bringing in the new. Creating and re-creating possibilities in oneself, tapping into our inner abilities and strengths to face life with fierce determination.

Grades: 4-12, Including LSS-ESL

Youth at risk programs.

Community enrichment.

Best results is 4 x 3 hour days

Subjects: The Spirit of Me can be used in: Visual Arts, Heath & Career, Mathematics (shapes and patterns), Language Arts as well as Social Studies.

                                                         ……………………..

         CHILDREN'S PROJECTS - facilitated by Meghan Carich

2007 The Spirit of Me Art Program, Crescent Park Elementary (grades 3,4,5)
        2008 Raven Performance, Surrey Art Gallery for National Aboriginal Day
2008 The Spirit of Me Art Program, Frost Road Elementary (grade 3-4)
        2008 Raven Story Performance for school and parents
2008 Tree and Butterfly Warrior Masks, Crescent Park School (grades 1,2,3,5,7)
        2008 Tree Mother of Kenya Performance's at Eaglequest Coyote Creek 
        and School
2008 Salmon Mask Making, Whiterock Elementary (grade 6)
        2009 Up Your Watershed Performance
2009 Salmon Mask Making, Crescent Park Elementary (grade 5)
        2010 Life Cycle of Salmon Public Performance at Guilford Town Centre
        2010 Life Cycle of Salmon private performance for
        Pacific Samon Foundation, Stream of Dreams, Local MLA Stephanie  
        Cadieux PSF officials, Ocean Park Library (project funders) and local 
        media
2010 The Spirit of Me Art Program, Whiterock Library (grades 1,2,3,4,5,6,7)
        First Nations Leadership Project, displayed at Whiterock Museum and  
        Archives Whiterock Library for National Aboriginal Day 2010
2010 The Spirit of Me Art Program and Raven Tales, Ocean Park Library (ages 5-6)
2010 The Spirit of Me Art Program, Strawberry Hill Elementary (grade 5)
        

  Sprit of Me revolves around self reflection, morals and values

2011 The Spirit of Me Art Program, White Rock Library
2012 The Spirit of Me Art Program, Crescent Park Elementary
2012 The Spirit of Me Art Program, Burn Creek Secondary
        LSS-ESL Health and Career Art Program
2013 The Spirit of Me Art Program, Surrey Teachers Convention
2013 The Spirit of Me Art Program, Regina Saskatchewan,
        Mother Teresa Middle School, National Aboriginal Day
2013 The Spirit of Me Art Program, Exploring Arts Education Surrey
        Panorama Ridge Secondary, Faculty of Education, Field Programs
2013 The Spirit of Me Art Program, PAWS Youth at Risk After School Program
        Bear Creek Elementary, Art Showing at Newton Gallery, January 2014
2014 The Spirit of Me Art Program, Hyland Park Elementary, Gifted Art   
        Students from throughout Surrey, showing art at Central City Library, 
        Surrey, B.C.
2014 The Spirit of Me Art Program, Children's Art Festival, Richmond, B.C.