Sharing artwork as a sign of hope to show that we really care about each other … and that we’re all in this together!

That’s the goal of a social media campaign launched today by the St. Clair Catholic District School Board’s Catholic Learning Services team.  The campaign is being launched to coincide with Catholic Education Week, which runs May 3 to 8.  The theme for Catholic Education Week 2020 is Igniting Hope.

“During these days of isolation and social distancing, we want to bring our families and our communities together in ways that keep us connected and as an expression of love and hope for brighter days ahead,” says Deb Crawford, Director of Education.

Students, parents, parish partners and other community members can go to bit.ly/connectingheARTs to be inspired by other budding artists, who are taking up the challenge.  Ideas to get people started can be found there.  The rest is simple.  Display your artwork in an outward facing window.  Take a photo and post it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #sccdsb 

Photos can also be emailed to chris.stamand@sccdsb.net to be posted to the Connecting heARTs web page. 

Several local professional artists are also contributing art pieces to be shared and posted.  Chatham artist Mark Reinhart has created a ‘thank you’ message for frontline healthcare workers that is displayed on a wall at Ursuline College, directly across from Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.

Teachers will also be creating and sharing ideas with students for art at home.

“The heart is the perfect symbol to say that we are praying for each other, for ourselves and for our global community and that with God to lead us, we will all come through this together,” says Mrs. Crawford.  “Let’s join our heARTs, connect with each other and be the voice of encouragement and hope that we all need during these uncertain days!”