Enderby goes with the flow

Interior Health spearheads new art project that supports breastfeeding.

A community art project in Enderby is about to go with the flow to create works of art that celebrate and support breastfeeding.

With input from Enderby and area residents, Interior Health has partnered with 15 area artists to create 36 interpretations of a breastfeeding fountain.

“For the last month, we have been having workshops at Enderby parent-tot groups, the library, the Armstrong Early Years Fair and a Splatsin family night,” said Mary Anne Domarchuk, public health nurse with the Enderby Community Health Centre. “The participants were given a lump of plasticine and asked to build what they thought a breastfeeding fountain would look like. The results have been, well, interesting.  The conversations have been really interesting too.”

Grindrod’s Runaway Moon Theatre is one of the partners participating in the project, and the finished artwork will eventually become a working fountain, said Domarchuk.

“Once all 15 art pieces are complete (sometime in 2016-2017), they will go on the road as a Breastfeeding Art Exposé, touring to five different communities around Interior Health.”

With the support of Enderby businesses, the 36 models that have been created are now on display in shop windows around Enderby from now to May 10.

“Come on out and see what your neighbours, friends, mothers and maybe even grandmothers have created,” said Domarchuk.

Runaway Moon Theatre is also hosting a Smashing Tea Cup Party to generate tiles, which will be used to create a mosaic finish on the surface of the final fountain.

The public is welcome to participate in the action at the Enderby and District Chamber of Commerce (702 Railway St. Enderby) Friday, May 6 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

“Bring any teacups or saucers that you are willing to break and donate to the project.  Everyone is welcome. No artistic, breastfeeding or smashing experience is needed,” said Domarchuk.

 

 

Vernon Morning Star