As the days shorten in the fall, and during the long hours of Yukon winter darkness, the warm glow of a lantern provides a sense of comfort and reminder of the lights yearly return.
Using paper mâché techniques to create a lantern form, the class will apply dried plant leaves and flowers to create a beautiful silhouette. This provides an opportunity to observe local plants in a new way that highlights their abundant natural detail, and learn some basic plant identification. With an additional hour students could go for a walk around their school to identify and pick some leaves and flowers to dry for their lantern.
Alternatively, students could draw their own imaginative images on dark paper, cut them out and apply them to the lantern form for a high contrast, dramatic effect.
| Grade Suitability | K-12 |
| Maximum Class Size | Class size |
| Time Required | 2-3, 1 hr prep |
| Material Required | parchment paper, tissue paper, white glue, balloons, black paper, wild harvested leaves and (hand picked by me or students) |
| Material Cost | Under $40 |
| Language of Instruction | English |
| Communities | All |
From the time I could pick up a pencil all I wanted to do was draw and I drew on every available surface (much to my parent’s frustration)! These drawings, like most children’s early drawings, formed a narrative about my experiences that generated inquiry and insight into the world around me. Reflecting on this, I believe that fostering creativity benefits well-being and development at every life stage. As an art teacher, I look forward to the opportunity to create workshops and fun interactions that encourage children’s innate creativity, self-expression, and resilience, thereby supporting them to thrive.
I hold a BFA in Studio Art (Painting and Drawing) from Concordia University, Montreal, completed the Sundog Carving Program (now NCES), and most recently a BSW from Yukon University. I enjoy the cross-pollination of my interests in art-making and connection-building. Much of my artwork has been made for community events, such as winter festivals, parades, and performances, and has included lantern making, giant puppet making, cardboard masks, and snow carving, all of which involve a lot of interaction. I see these events as contemporary rituals that bring people together in a meaningful way. I also spent over a decade with a local NGO providing support to families and gave many art and craft workshops. I treasure collaboration, so please bring me your idea, and let's explore what we can create together!