School Field Trip to the Chapel Gallery

 Last Tuesday St Matthias hosted 16 enthusiastic school children in our sanctuary and the Chapel Gallery. The children visiting were a grade 4/5 class from Sir James Douglas School.  

On a beautiful spring day they walked from the school to the gallery, and were greeted by Reverend Matt and artist Samantha Agar.  A whimsical show of ‘tunnel book art’ was on display in the gallery.  Each piece, a little world of its own , waiting to be explored.  The perfect show to elevate the stress of these anxious, fraught times.

The children gathered in our sanctuary where the artist told the children about her father who was a WW2 prisoner of war, who made art to help heal his trauma. She also told them that as a child she was encouraged by her parents  to create and express herself through her art and shared with them how she became an artist. The children listened intently, putting up their hands,  and adding their own experiences to to the conversation.   

They then moved into the gallery to start a ‘ Scavenger hunt’ designed by the artist.  Over the next 40 minutes the children excitedly shared their observations, “ I found the owl!”, “ have you found the whale”, “ ooh look at this!” The children were actively engaged in the art work, intently writing their answers down on the scavenger hunt sheets for the teacher to see.  For an hour and a half the children were enthusiastic and inquisitive and left with their heads full of fun creative ideas. What a wonderful gift the artists and people of St Matthias have given these children.  

I would like to thank all of the St Matthias community for supporting this very valuable ministry. This gallery is so much more than just another art gallery, this is a truly good thing we are doing.  

Nicky Rendell 

Chief Curator of The Chapel Gallery