Beth McCubbin
visual artist & conservator
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the clay project

The Clay Project started as a discussion between visual artist Beth McCubbin and aboriginal youth worker Kateri Miles, from Minwaashin Lodge in Vanier, Ottawa. The intent of the project is to offer free clay workshops to Ottawa's Aboriginal Community, to celebrate Community through the creation of a Public Artwork, and as a positive way to be involved in the Canada 150 celebrations.

Once permanently installed, the mural will be accompanied by a plaque to celebrate all Indigenous Peoples in 2017. It will distinguish this time in history as Year One of Reconciliation in Canada and commemorate our present and future as a Proud Strong Diverse Nation.

The mural is presently composed of 80 tiles made by over 75 participants...and still growing...

Workshop at the Shawenjeagamik Centre

This was a great workshop, the Shawenjeagamik Centre at 510 Rideau is a really nice place. It is an outreach, drop-in centre branch of Odawa Native Friendship Centre. Unfortunately we planned our day on the same weekend as the big June Pow Wow at Vincent Massey Park in Ottawa...so attendance was not as we expected. But the folks who came made up for the numbers in enthusiasm! Thank so much to Carrie and Jamie for organizing the workshop with 510 Rideau...and to Nancy who made it all so worthwhile!

showing Nancy how to 'erase' mistakes on a wet tile...photo credit: Andrew Alexander

showing Nancy how to 'erase' mistakes on a wet tile...photo credit: Andrew Alexander

Making and designing tiles. Photo credit: Andrew Alexander

Making and designing tiles. Photo credit: Andrew Alexander

Transferring an image onto the wet clay. Photo credit: Andrew Alexander 

Transferring an image onto the wet clay. Photo credit: Andrew Alexander 

Pressing an image into the wet clay. Photo credit: Andrew Alexander

Pressing an image into the wet clay. Photo credit: Andrew Alexander

Painting finished design. Photo credit: Andrew Alexander

Painting finished design. Photo credit: Andrew Alexander

Beth McCubbin