Sofia Jain-Schlaepfer
Read Sofia’s Artist Statement
We are honored to present the Rivière/River project’s Late Fall 2021 pilot project drawing by Sofia Jain-Schlaepfer
River invites people to honour, reflect on and celebrate the Gatineau River throughout the seasons.
This drawing is the river in the late fall. As the harvest season passes into late fall, nature begins to condense, contract, and draw inwards to conserve and store energy. One of the many lessons that the late fall teaches us is to let go of what is no longer needed.
What are you giving up or letting go of right now? Reply in any way on the next page (write, draw, make a poem, sing…).
What happens next?
The River project is an artistic exploration in community where we respond artistically to your response to our questions and public prompts. We’ll also be celebrating the project at PAF, Place des Artistes de Farrellton on October 23 and 24. All are invited. Sign up for our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss updates, our creative replies to your replies, news on the River celebration and more. www.stounion.com/contact
The FALL 2021 drawing session is now over.
Thank you to the 60+ people who submitted coloured drawings and their creative replies to us. We’re working on our creative reply back to you so please stay tuned!
The FALL video of IDEAS:
Who can participate in RIVER, the community art collaboration?
Submissions are open to all and are volunteer-based. We hope to have as many participants as possible!
Will the artworks be returned?
Yes, submissions will be returned at the RIVER exhibit next Fall (2022) at Place des Artistes de Farrellton (PAF).
Will the artworks be used in an exhibit?
Yes, the project culminates in both live and video presentations of the community’s work at Place des Artistes de Farrellton (PAF). Additionally, selected submissions may become part of STO Union’s next international touring show, premiering in the Fall of 2022 in a soon to be announced major cultural centre.
When will the exhibition open?
Dates are yet to be confirmed, but sign up to our newsletter for updates!
What if the drop off locations are not open? How do I submit my work?
You can submit your work electronically too! Scroll down on this page for instructions and the form to upload your work with a good photo or scan.
What if I’m not great at colouring in the lines?
No problem, we want everyone to express themselves how they feel comfortable — whether that’s with paint, markers, inside the lines or way outside of them!
Can I submit more than one entry?
Absolutely! We are not limiting submissions per person. To download additional copies, scroll up on this page, and download away.
Do I need to live near the Gatineau River to participate?
We invite all who feel called to participate to do so. Nature is shared by all and so is this project!
Who owns my artwork?
Your artwork belongs to you, but by submitting to the RIVER project, you agree to let us use them in art projects such as in the exhibit, video, online and in live productions.
Upload Your Response Here
River project partners are:
F.O.G. (Friends of the Gatineau River) https://www.fog-arg.org/
Biblio Wakefield Library http://bibliowakefieldlibrary.ca/
Bibliothèque Chelsea Library https://www.chelsea.ca/en/residents/service-municipaux/library
The Low Down to Hull and Back https://www.lowdownonline.com/
Chelsea Elementary School https://chelsea.wqsb.qc.ca/
STO Union gratefully acknowledges the Canada Council for the Arts for its ongoing support.
We recognize this season of letting go along with our pandemic reality can result in feelings of grief. If you or someone you know is struggling or in distress, please know you are not alone. It’s important to reach out to get help. Some resources include Kids Help Phone, Canada Suicide Prevention Service and Quebec Crisis Intevention. The Canadian Mental Health Association also offers resources to support mental health during the pandemic.
