By Annabel Kjar, Secondary Visual Arts Teacher
Legend tells us that St Maarten was a Roman soldier, and he is celebrated for his act of sharing. He slashed his red cloak (Dutch- mantel) with his sword and gave half to a beggar. His diagonal slash of the red cloak against his white undergarment makes the emblem for Utrecht’s coat of arms and flag.
Sharing, solidarity and community
Sharing, solidarity and community connection are actively nurtured through the Parade. Bell ringing, storytelling nights and other activities are associated with the parade as well as the tradition of building light sculptures.
ISU students are working together with the Sharing Arts Society and Sint Maarten Parade to create sculptures for the Parade. Light sculptures take the forms of symbols of sharing – what it means, what they share, and they can share. Building sculptures provides tremendous opportunities to learn and to experience the values of solidarity, giving and staying connected to a place and to a tradition.
Students’ mind map of what it sharing is and working in groups on their light designs.
Some students confessed to sharing a love of junk food, and to having shared toothbrushes and germs but also recognised the importance of community; to be present for one another, to feel safe, and to stay connected to others. Students share the access to knowledge and the desire to learn and a shared responsibility for the planet.
Amongst their designs are puzzle pieces, a loaf of sliced bread, a lightbulb (shared knowledge), a coin (shared currency) and a fruit bowl with exotic fruits.
Students work collaboratively building their light sculptures.
The sculptures are made from willow branches and paper and are lit from within by a string of LED lamps. The students get to investigate the possibilities of the material and receive feedback from the material and from each other. In the Visual Arts classrooms, like in any community, there is space for heated discussions and differing opinions but with shared ideals of a larger vision.
Come and join the parade!
Your support and encouragement are welcome on Saturday 7 November from 18:00 until 21:00. This year, the Parade has changed its format: parents, together with whole of the Utrecht community become the procession and walk past the light sculptures. The sculptures are stationary.
They can be seen in a very special part of Utrecht, in a 4km route through the city centre, passing through hidden gardens, streets and secret places. There will be music, dance and theatre along the route. Our sculptures, together with the Grade 8 students will be at Walsteeg. This is a hidden courtyard near the Utrecht's Music Conservatory at the Mariaplaats. (Please view the map below. The yellow arrow points to where the ISU light designs can be viewed).
To find more information please view the Sint Maarten Parade website with information available in many languages.