Canvas #236: Univeristy of Victoria Library, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

So funny that we have a couple of canvases placed in the University of Victoria library one after the other!

Jaime writes, I put mine in the University of Victoria library because I have spent many hours in there wanting to throw my books against the wall. Now that I'm graduating, I won't be feeling that way in that place anymore, but I know others will. I just wanted to remind a hardworking soul to just "keep on, keepin' on" (which is what it says over my snail if you can't read it.) Good luck to everyone, it feels good to take your backpack off after carrying around too many text books for 4-5 years.

Canvas #41: University of Victoria Library, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

I am so sorry for the radio silence here the past couple of weeks. I had a couple of canvases waiting in my inbox to be posted but I had to finish my report cards, which is an enormous task indeed. So you lucky readers will get to see a few new canvases over the next few days.

Mary Jo went one step beyond and attached a little gift to her canvas!

 

Mary Jo's story is such a great one. She writes, I was inspired by a group of first year university students who commented that many students on campus are feeling a great deal of stress. I thought I would try to add a bit of joy to the day of those students who crossed paths with my canvas. So, I painted my canvas sea blue, added the word "JOY" to trigger a positive thought, adjusted the easel to prop up the canvas and cradle a beautiful moon shell that I found on the beach. 

For those who are curious enough to pick up the shell and take a closer look, they will find a small scroll inside with the following words: 

Although this wave is stringing us along 
Just know you are not alone. 
Pay no mind to the demons that fill you with fear. 
Settle down it will all come clear. 
Just know you are not alone.
(adapted from Greg Holden lyrics "Home")

Canvas #48: Strathcona Public Library, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Kristen made this lovely jeweled owl!

Kristen says, I created this "Bejeweled Owl" because I felt it was something that would make people smile.  I thought for a long time about different messages to write on this canvas, but in the end just decided to create something beautiful - a picture is worth a thousand words, right?

I chose to leave my canvas at the Strathcona Public Library in Edmonton.  I placed it outside the door so that anyone walking in to the building would definitely see my little owl.  I love the library and spend a lot of time there... I just feel it is a beautifully intellectual place that deserves some artwork to brighten it up a bit more on the surface.

You know what I love about this project? All the different interpretations of what "positive" means.

Canvas # 29: University of Lethbridge Library, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada

Tessa says:

I have attached the photo of my canvas, as well as where I left it (in the university library). I really enjoyed doing the project and as a student teacher, I am going to do a similair project with my grade 4/5 class. Thank you for inspiring me :)

 No, Tessa: Thanks for inspiring us!