May 5, 2023 – Government of PEI: Students Sadie Sudsbury and Ashlyn Sanderson stand together, coloring beads and looping a length of cord into what looks like a complicated design.
The Grade 7 students at East Wiltshire Intermediate School are practicing macrame techniques as part of ArtsSmarts, a national initiative that blends everyday learning with the arts.
Jody MacDonald is the Home Economics teacher at East Wiltshire. She researched and coordinated the school’s ArtSmarts project this year.
“I wanted to do something that included everyone. We have a few students with differing physical abilities so it was important to find something that all my students could enjoy. I also wanted the project to be multicultural because our student population is so diverse.”
MacDonald decided on macrame, a form of textile produced using knotting techniques which is rooted in Arabic culture. The learners were shown step-by-step how to create a hand knotted tapestry. Materials included 4mm macrame cord, wooden dowel rod or driftwood branch, and wooden or ceramic beads.
As part of the ArtsSmarts program, local artists collaborate with Island teachers to enhance learning and engage students in new and creative ways.
Read the full news release here