Above: Grand Erie elementary students express themselves in an Art Soup dance class.

Art Soup Gets Creativity Cooking Once Again 

TUESDAY, MAR. 28, 2023

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rt Soup, a unique Grand Erie event bringing learners and the professional creative sector together, is returning this spring following a pandemic hiatus. The structure of the event allows students in grades 4 and 5 to cycle through workshops with artists from the community, leading hands-on learning in dance, visual arts, music and theatre. 

“The arts serves as a vehicle to inspire curiosity and creativity, and we know that participating in artistic practices offers our students the space and means to express themselves while also supporting well-being,” said Lisa DeGraaf, vice-principal at Cobblestone Elementary School, and chair of the Art Soup committee. “By partnering with professional artists, we highlight the amazing creative talent in our communities, and offer learners a chance to discover new career paths while having a lot of fun.” 

Art Soup unlocks the power of the arts to build confidence, self-expression, co-operation, and a sense of belonging that often leads to a increased pride and achievement in other areas. It also serves the additional purpose of bringing elementary students into secondary school buildings, resulting in increased familiarity with the spaces and facilities that await them on their learning journeys. 

With its focus on well-being and belonging, Art Soup connects to Grand Erie’s multi-year strategic plan, supporting the cognitive, social, and emotional needs of all learners as they actively explore, learn, and express themselves through the creative arts. 

Art Soup takes place over two dates this spring: April 4 at Pauline Johnston Collegiate and Vocational School and Paris District High School, and on May 16 at Waterford District High School and Dunnville Secondary School.