Peel secondary students' art exhibition responds to sexism, male violence

Fourteen secondary schools across the Peel District School Board will take part in Walk the Art, an art exhibition expressing student sentiments about sexism and male violence. From May 20 to June 1, the Peel community can visit the exhibition at the Art Gallery of Peel in Brampton. A reception on May 25 will officially open Walk the Art.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their talents in a constructive and collective atmosphere," says Brett Boivin, creator of the event and teacher at North Peel Secondary School in Brampton. "Art is a concrete and positive way to express feelings about complicated social issues like sexism and male violence. A student exhibition like Walk the Art helps to raise awareness in the community."

Boivin's inspiration for Walk the Art comes from the annual Walk Against Male Violence and ties in curricular expectations for grades 9 to 12 and OAC. More than 40 pieces will be displayed in various media including paint, sculpture, collage and photography. The opening reception will feature The Most Massive Woman Wins, a performance by students at Mayfield Secondary School. Students will also talk about their work and why they chose to participate in the exhibition.

Peel secondary schools participating in Walk the Art include:

* Brampton - Bramalea, Brampton Centennial, Chinguacousy, Heart Lake and North Peel
* Caledon - Mayfield
* Mississauga - Clarkson, Glenforest, IndEC South, John Fraser, Lincoln M. Alexander, Port Credit, West Credit and The Woodlands School

The exhibition is sponsored by:

* Peel District School Board
* Peel Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Association's Status of Women Committee
* North Peel Secondary School
* Walk Against Male Violence
* Heart Lake Secondary School

The opening reception will be held from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on May 25 at the Art Gallery of Peel, Peel Heritage Complex, located at 9 Wellington St. E. in Brampton. The Most Massive Woman Wins will be presented from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
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Media Contact: Brett Boivin, Teacher, North Peel Secondary School, 905-791-6770

Reference: Sapna Goel, Communications Assistant, 905-890-1010, ext. 2652