(Photo courtesy of Red Deer Food Bank)
A Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) Visual Arts Student’s new art display is highlighting the influence art can have on social issues.
“Unhampered” is a print exchange and food drive tomorrow (Nov. 7) at RDP in “The Forum” between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Artist Bailey Horton was inspired to create a new way for community members to support the food bank, even if they are unable to donate.
“With ‘Unhampered’, I hope to use my artistic practice to open up curiosity around our local food bank and the services they provide,” Horton said. “Art can be a way to connect with others and bridge a gap of communication.”
The exhibit features a series of paper bag drawings inspired by the Red Deer Food Bank hampers and the pantry staples they include.
“I looked to my own pantry to see what I considered staples when choosing references for my drawings,” Horton explained. “I explored parallels to grocery shopping, in-store donations, and what makes a meal.”
The art exhibit follows Food Banks Canada 2024 Hunger Count report, indicating that food bank use has increased 90 per cent in five years.
Related stories:
- Food Bank demand increasing in Central Alberta
- Red Deer Food Bank seeking community support as demand increases
Mitch Thomson, Executive Director of Red Deer Food Bank, explained that RDP students are eligible to use the on-campus food bank three times for the duration of their program.
“If they can no longer access the service at the school, they come to us,” Thomson said. “Naturally, that means students in need are indeed some of those who are among the 2 million Canadians visiting food banks across the country every month.”
The “Unhampered” event began in October with a printmaking workshop hosted by Horton.
“It was helpful to have staff from the Food Bank there to share some of the information, statistics, and stories about their work,” Horton said.
During the workshop, possible causes of food scarcity were discussed, including how it affects a person’s lifestyle, work, and school, where food is sourced, the quality of food, and how to decrease stigma.
“It was a great experience, and we all learned from one another,” Horton said.
**With information provided by the Red Deer Food Bank
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