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Art 'a legitimate career choice'

Cheyenne Oechsler is a girl with big dreams. The Grade 11 St.
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Grade 11 St. Charles College student Cheyenne Oechsler draws a self-portrait during an art workshop put on by Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) University at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School Dec. 10. Photo by Heidi Ulrichsen.
Cheyenne Oechsler is a girl with big dreams.

The Grade 11 St. Charles College student wants to attend Cambrian College's journalism program, and then she plans to head to the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) University in Toronto to learn about art and photography.

Oechsler is one of a handful of teens who attended a workshop at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School put on by OCAD University this weekend (Dec. 10-11).
The workshop specifically focused on OCAD University's aboriginal visual culture program, which teaches aboriginal art and art history.

Oechsler, who is native, said she often portrays aboriginal themes in her art.
“Sometimes I do native portraits in my drawing,” she said. “I like showing my culture, my medicines and my spirituality.”

Keesic Douglas, an outreach consultant with OCAD University, said the workshop was intended to get students interested in pursuing art as a career, and “hopefully steering them towards art school and OCAD University.”

The workshop, which included sessions on photography and video, painting and sculpture and installation, was intended to show students how they can build their art school portfolios, and have a better chance of being accepted.

OCAD University currently offers its aboriginal visual culture program as a minor, but there are plans to allow students to major in this specialization, Douglas said.

Although aboriginal art is “often treated as a souvenir, almost,” Douglas said it's a “big part of the country's culture.

“It really needs to be showcase, celebrated and learned about,” he said.

Starting in September 2012, first year OCAD University students will be able to study at Laurentian University, thanks to a partnership between the two schools.

“Instead of trying to deal with art school, trying to deal with university and trying to move to downtown Toronto, you can ease into it and do your first year in the north,” Douglas said.

“After completing your first year in in Sudbury, then you'll do your second, third and fourth years in downtown Toronto, and end up with either a bachelor of fine arts degree or bachelor of design degree.”

Douglas said he's looking for at least 10 students to take their first year at the OCAD University program at Laurentian. He said he plans to return to Sudbury early in the new year to promote the program.

Christi Belcourt, a Métis artist who lives in Espanola, spoke to the students about building their portfolios Dec. 10, and then gave a painting workshop on self-portraits.

She said she enjoyed sharing her knowledge with the next generation.

“Whenever I'm asked to share anything, if I can contribute, I will,” she said. “I was once told that you can making a living as an artists, and I have found it to be true. It's a legitimate career choice.”

For more information about OCAD University's programs, visit www.ocad.ca.

Posted by Heidi Ulrichsen

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Heidi Ulrichsen

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