Mélange à Collage is a new monthly community art series, starting January 28 at Powell River Public Library (PRPL). The program is the brainchild of teen services coordinator Mel Edgar.
“Mixing collage and community is a way to get people together so they can make something and enjoy the process of creativity,” said Edgar. “Collage is a way of making art by mixing together types of materials like paper, cloth, or even wood, and in a way, it’s a good metaphor or way of thinking about community, and who we are all together.”
This will be the first time a community group will be joining the event.
Mélange à Collage with local musicians Loose Tights is going to be a blast,” added Edgar. “Their chosen theme of ‘courage’ is so thoughtful, as courage really intersects with things that are so important both as an individual and at a community level, including self-identity to self-expression.
“The band is composed of some of the most creative, fun and kind women I have ever met.”
According to its biography, the band (Karen Skadsheim, Jennifer Rieper and Susan Roos) is “fuelled by the courage to stand up and try new things.”
Adults and youth are invited to connect with other members of the community by “mixing it up collage style.”
“I was really imagining a fun way to connect people with the community,” said Edgar. “There are so many new people who moved here during COVID-19 and are still getting to know the place and people who live here.”
Although this art form goes back hundreds of years, collage made a resurgence in the early 20th century Modern Art world. The name was coined from the French word coller, meaning to “stick” or “glue.” Pablo Picasso started making his avant-garde creations around 1910.
The library will provide materials such as magazines and art supplies, but the public can also bring materials to share with the group. Loose Tights may also be bringing a button maker.
“Mélange à Collage is a way to celebrate the amazing things going on where we live, to mix (melange) and collage,” said Edgar.
The series begins on Saturday, January 28, 2 to 3:30 pm, at the library, 6975 Alberni Street.
