VILLAGE FLOWERS WCK Cause Campaign for the World Central Kitchen Charity
In 2005, J.Childs created with her Village’s Community School, K-12, a Sask ArtSmart Project for the children. Using an eclectic collection of 80 children’s drawings to inspire these 16 Bouquets. Childs painted these onto canvases, the flowers grouped in bouquets of 5 flowers each. Then the canvasses were used with the children and drew out onto steel, that was then cut and welded, to create 4’ tall steel sculptures, each child painted their flower. Giving the children real ownership of the project, as they stood proud, when the Bouquet sculptures were mounted thru Main St. on the light standards.
The sculptures served the Village for over 15 years hung up in the summer on the standards, and then in the school in the winter, till the community wing was removed.
The large 8’ steel Wreath was created by Childs using all the flowers from the children and teachers and was hung on the front of the school, sharing the sentiment that was her inspiration for the project.
Childs believes the strength of all communities is the health, welfare and happiness of their children.
WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN WCK embodies the best of what Childs believes is so important. As an artist, she wants to support this important and necessary work.
After 20 years her hope to recreate the Village Flowers Collection, as a campaign to support all children, in all communities suffering any disaster, has been long considered over the last five years. With the world entering 2025 and witnessing the amazing work this organization is being hard pressed to do everyday, and the demand, keeps growing, exponentially, this is her focus.
If you too agree this is an important cause, your support for this campaign, will be most appreciated.
The story in pictures shares the children and Childs working together to create a community art project. The steel sculptures lined the Village’s Main Street and brought colour and pride to the community and the children.
Sask Art Smart Program
Brady creating his 🌸
Seniors drawing their flowers unique to them.
Mrs Sauter participating with her class.
Shalay has an intricate flower
Using the Bouquet canvas as her guide Shayla repeats the flower, testing her patience, but sure enjoyed the reward.
Showed the Students all their flowers painted in groups of five in 16 bouquets. They all recognized their flower.
Parent Teacher Show
16 Bouquets from 80 children's drawings. Childs grouped them in complimentary bouquets. Then with a bright and colourful acrylic palette painted each child's flower as they drew them. Only tightening the colouring, each child recognized their flower and participated in all the processes.
Each child painted their flower on the face of the 4' tall steel sculptures.
Mounted on brackets down Main Street and the four corners.
Childs painted the back side of the sculptures and the brackets.
The wreath was created using all the childrens flowers and the teachers with the addition of the hummingbird.
After 20 years the wreath is still hanging on the school face, looking for a refresh soon.