In early June we received this email...
AN OPEN INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE
JUNE 17TH 2010
Dear Artist,
On behalf of the 2010 Pen Pal Committee I would like to invite you to come and be moved and inspired by the children of Haldimand County and Six Nations as they continue to forge friendships at the 2010 Pen Pal Gathering.
In 2006 a teacher from Six Nations (Suzie Miller), along with the in-kind support of local community agencies, and other community volunteers began a Pen Pal Project between the children living in Six Nations and Caledonia/Haldimand County. The first year started with two classes participating. Last year approximately 250 students participated, and this year we are thrilled to have over 600 students participating representing senior kindergarten to grade seven.
The students write to each other throughout the year and then gather at this event to meet each other, and participate together in fun activities. This year, the gathering is taking place on June 17th. You can imagine how important this process is in developing positive relationships and deepening understanding.
This year we would like to invite you to attend the year-end Pen Pal Gathering. It is hoped that your artistry may find inspiration. If you feel moved by the event we encourage you to represent the spirit, partnership, and energy through your art. We feel it is important to archive these moments to be shared with others today as well as future generations. We hope the art could be displayed in a future traveling exhibit with your accompanying information highlighting what is possible for generations to come.
We are asking artists who attend to consider the following questions:
^ What were you drawn to that you heard or saw; that warmed your heart? ^ What image or metaphor came to mind?
^ Where did being witness to the event take you in your thoughts? What does it suggest about what's possible?
^ What will you take away with you from witnessing this event? What did it give to you?
Six Nations is hosting this year's gathering at the local Iroquois Lacrosse Arena. The date and time is June 17th, 10:30 to 2:00 p.m. To confirm your attendance please contact Scot Cooper at 1-800-265-8087 x 263 or email at scooper hnreach.on.ca
On behalf of the 2010 Pen Pal Project Committee, thank you so much for considering this request. Your contribution to this project is so much appreciated. I look forward to hearing from you.
Kindly,
Scot Cooper
Supervisor, Child Clinical/Brief Services HN REACH