Team Possibles is an arts exploration group made up of young adults with Down syndrome and their peers (ages 14-25). Artist Renee Forrestall created Team Possibles in Fall 2007, for the Nova Scotia Down Syndrome Society. It is an artists-run program that addresses the social, cultural, and expressive needs of the young adults through engagement, and exploration in different art forms, including: visual arts, film, and dance (music and theatre are planned for the next two years). Staffed by professional artists, Dalhousie, MSVU, and NSCAD students, and a group of core, dedicated volunteers, Team Possibles continues to develop and grow.
Email: mail@novascotiadownsyndromesociety.com if you are interested in this program.
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Team Possibles Blogs! A photo journal summary of all the Team's projects
Notes:
On each blog at the bottom of the page hit OLDER POSTS
Most of these blogs are linked to previous blogs, click on the photos on the left hand column for links to earlier blogs.
Current: Fall 2011
Electric http://teampossibleselectric.blogspot.com/
This term the Team Possibles will create neon wearable
art, puppet costumes, and silkscreened neon t-shirts. Their work will
be featured in performances and events this year, including: Walk With
Friends, Nocturne Nautilus Ballet, Christmas Variety Show, a final
Zumba Performance, and always a few surprises!
Spring 2011
Manifesto Gallery http://teampossiblesmanifestogallery.blogspot.com/
This
term the team completes their mosaic project and starts work on 2 public art displays including Chocolale Lake Centre and Cossette Office Space that stem from Art Historical paintings. The Team also is starting to work on their manifesto for the Team Art
Gallery. A huge thank you to to Megan for working on the Blog! and Katie I-Star who will be
training to help out too. Thanks as well to Clare Bader and Benetta for our on-going ballet program. The Ballet group performs their first recietal of Little Red Riding Hood!!
Current: Winter 2011
Zumba, Justice & Life http://teampossibleszumbajustice.blogspot.com/
This term we are teaming up with artist Miro Davis to work on a mosaic project that will be adorn the Supreme Court building. The theme: Justice! Thanks also to Richard and Rhonda, students at Dal & Zumba instructors, for creating an awesome Zumba & exercise program for the Team!
Fall 2010
Flashlights/Cameras/Action! http://paintedtheatre.blogspot.com/
This term Alastair Duncan, artist and educator joins the team, as well as new volunteer Mandai Mohan. Projects include filming the team & puppets in action, light painting with Julianne, as well as portraiture and team painting!
Spring 2010
Painted Puppet Theatre http://teampossiblespaintedtheatre.blogspot.com/
The Team finished work on their giant puppets and brought them to life in a variety of public displays inlcuding IWK lunch & Learn, CTV's Live at 5, Arts Engage Symposium hosted by 4Cs, the Natal Day Parade, and most recently at the NSDSS Walk with Friends (see next blog for photos)
Spring 2009
Go Big Go Bold http://teampossiblesgobiggobold.blogspot.com/
Inpired by Bread and Butter Theatre with workshop support by Mermaid Theatre, this term the team has started to work on the series of large scaled 3D
heads that will be developed and used in the completed puppets being
planned for public appearances.
Fall 2009
Team Possibles Portfolio http://teampossiblesportfolio.blogspot.com/
The Team explored studio-painting techniques, materials included:
acrylics, dyes, pastels, inks, still life and bamboo ink drawings. They
continued to develop their photography, and silkscreen skills. They had
an introduction to Ballet workshop with Ms. C. Bader, the founder of
the Halifax Ballet School; they participated in the NSDSS BUDDY WALK
and published a Calendar of all their Photo Booth work, donating the
proceeds to the NSDSS. Along with dignitaries of the NS Duke Of
Edinburgh they had an Awards Celebration for 4 recipients: 3 Bronze,
One Silver. They created a large mural that was used as a backdrop for
a Photo shoot they hosted for the NSDSS as a fundraiser.
Summer 2009
Team Possibles and the Nova Scotia Duke Of Edinburgh Program:
The Nova Scotia Duke Of Edinburgh Awards program invited the members to
an expedition weekend at Camp Lone Cloud. Several members are now
enrolled in the Duke Of Edinburgh’s awards program. Five have earned
their Bronze awards and one has completed their Silver award.
See article: http://www.dukeofed.org/_uploads/documents/National/DofE_Oct-final.pdf
Spring 2009
Go Public (NSCAD Exhibition) http://teampossiblesgopublic.blogspot.com/
The team created a large body of silkscreen work for their first
university exhibition. Curated by artist Erin Laende, the exhibit
opened at the Anna Leonowens Gallery at NSCAD University (May 23-29). The Team
worked on their public speaking skills as they were invited to deliver
a session at the National Canadian Down Syndrome Conference in Halifax
on May 16th.
Winter 2009
Teem Zine http://teemzine.blogspot.com/
Artist, and NSCAD M.Des student, Erin Laende joined the team and wrote
a thesis on social design including a case study: Team Possibles - a
Model for Inclusion. The term kicked off with a sketchbook workshop by
artist Tom Forrestall. (See Joel Jacobson’s Chronicle Herald Article
attached: Feb 2008). We partnered with Anchor Archive, opened our
screen print studio, and had screen print workshops with Anchor
Archive. The Team learned how to make photo silk-screens, photomontage,
and collages. They continued to explore lighting effects and
composition in their Photo Booth. They learned Turkish Paper Marbling
and compiled and published a series of Zines.
Fall 2008
Styles and Fashion http://teampossiblesstylefashion.blogspot.com/
Collaborating with the AGNS Urban fashion artist Sherry Lynn Jollymore
the Team designed and created fashion designed silk-screened t-shirts.
They set up a photo booth, painted backdrops and worked in fashion
photography. They made fashion posters, and fashion photograms. The
semester was topped off with the Team’s second exhibition and first
public exhibition at The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. Enrique Ferreol
curated the exhibition. It was well attended and held over for almost a
full year.
Summer 2008
Summer Out-door Art http://teampossiblescamp.blogspot.com/
Working with artist Renee Forrestall, filmmaker Denise Howell, and
several volunteers the Team had a series of outdoor expeditions around
the city where they created Andy Goldsworthy inspired art. Explorations
included: Sand mandalas, stone inukshuks, fairy habitats and group
woven organic plants and fibers.
Spring 2008
Shadow Theatre: Puppet Butt http://teampossiblesmovie.blogspot.com/
Working with filmmaker Denise Howell, directed by HRSB teacher Benetta
Sanchez, and an MSVU Masters student, Denis Cotes, the team wrote,
acted, and produced a DVD based on their shadow puppet theatre Puppet
Butt. (See Blog above)
Winter 2008
The Movie http://teampossiblesmovie.blogspot.com/
The second semester the Team created a series of carnival masks and had
a workshop at the AGNS with Artist Enrique Ferreol. They Collaborated
with NSCAD film students, professional filmmakers and View Finders at
the CBC building to create two 8 mm films. The films were screened at
Bayers Empire Theatres during the opening ceremony of the View Finders
Film Festival for Youth.
Fall 2007
Team’s First Art Exhibition http://teampossibles.blogspot.com/
http://teenpossibles.blogspot.com/
http://lt.gov.ns.ca/en/events-gallery.aspx
The first semester included work on a series of self portraits culminating with an exhibition of over thirty works at Forrestall Fine Arts Gallery, attended by Her Honor The Honorable Mayanne Francis, hosted by Tom Forrestall, the opening was attended by over a hundred and fifty guests. (See Chronicle Herald article: Discovering Teen Possibilities, Dec. 2007.)
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Team Possibles created a float in the Natal Day Parade and won Most
Humorous Entry award! Watch this video to see the puppets &
participants!
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Partnership ProgramsTeam Possibles is exicited about its various partnership programs ongoing and in the works.
Best Buddies Canada- for young adults 18 years and up. Please contact Renee if you would like more information on this group. http://www.bestbuddies.ca/OurPrograms/tabid/68/Default.aspxhttp://www.bestbuddies.ca/ The Maritime Coordinator is: Nicole MacDonald ************* Duke of EdinburghThe Team Possibles Group - for the Duke Of Ed Awards Program (on-going participation/registration)
A self-directed awards program that includes: Personal goals of
Physical Fitness, Community Service, Skills Development and Adventurous
Journeys.
To register or for more information you should contact the Nova Scotia Leader: Connie Miller at the Duke Office: dukeofed@sportnovascotia.ca
The office is in the Sport NS Building - you can fill out the application there or on-line. TD Waterhouse Program,
4th Floor, 5516 Spring Garden Rd, Halifax, NS B3J 1G6 902.425.5454 x.320 www.dukeofed.org/ns
http://www.dukeofed.org/Resources/PDFs/DukeBrochure.pdf******** Claire Bader - Ballet Instruction
Clare adapts the flowing art of
ballet to help our young adults master the basic technique and
stretches. It will help with body alignment, strength and musicality.
Contact Benetta Sanchez for more information ******** Fitness Program Winter 2011Prof. Scott Grandy from Dalhousie -has 2 students who are keen to work with us - Rhonda & Richard
One is a Zumba Instructor (Latin dance exercise to music), the other can offer a circuit training program in the gym. * To participate in this program, please ensure you have filled out the PARQ form and send to Renee. ********
Spryfield Wellness Centre
The Team has been invited by Dr. Karen Clarke to exhibit art work at their new health clinic opening at the old South Centre Mall in Spryfield (16 Dentith Road). The Team's silkscreens, collages and marbelling that were displayed at NSCAD Anna Leonowens Gallery will be on display in the clinics reception area as of the week of November 28th.
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More About us!
Here are a few quotes collected
by Emily, one of our valued volunteers, who interviewed the young
people who make up 'the Possibles'
'It’s really fun to have Down syndrome. You get to do things that other people can’t do. Like not drive. (You like that?) Yes. Because driving is bad for the world, it’s air pollution.' Max, 19
The
Possibles is a good chance and opportunity for other kids with Down
Syndrome to come out and have fun. Some people don’t really have that
many friends - they should come and meet some friends because it’d be
really nice to see some smiles on their faces.' Erin, 15
I
think Down Syndrome is great. Lots of partying. Down Syndrome is great
because you go to new places, like down south, up north. The Possibles
is like a castle of heaven. This is like the kingdom of heaven; this is
utopia, heaven on earth. Andrew, 20
I like taking pictures. And I like being in the pictures.
I like parties
We did Erin’s birthday and Halloween.
We watched a movie, and it was called Freedom Writers
The best stuff. Eduardo, 14:
The Possibles rock!
Why should there be more Possibles sessions?
It’s coming great… I know it.
It’s changed around… I’ve changed - I cut my hair.
Karsen, 17
Teen Possibles is fun.
I come here, I want to.
I like girls, and movies. I liked being the director; I like taking pictures.
Why should there be more Possibles sessions?
Because I be good - I may get married!
Do you think you might meet someone here?
Yes! Dylan, 14
Andrew (as the bride, below): Treat women equally
CLICK here to read the Team's speeches presented at the Canadian Down Syndrome Society's conference in 2009.
(scroll down this blog until it says "Speeches...."
Thank you 'Possibles' for showing anything is possible, thank you volunteers and program leaders.
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THANK YOU to our funding-partners, volunteers, parents and supporters!!
HRM Community Development
Chocolate Lake Recreation Centre
NS Dept of Tourism Heritage and Culture, Cultural Opportunities for Youth
HRM Community Grants Program
Active Halifax Communities
The Nova Scotia Duke Of Edinburgh Awards TD Bank Program
Nova Scotia Down Syndrome Society
Forrestall Fine Art
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
NSCAD University
Anchor Archive Artists Collective
Viewfinders Youth Film Festival
National Canadian Down Syndrome Society
Halifax Ballet theatre
4C's Arts Engage
Image House Digital
Brigadoon Camp
Nova Scotia
Government's Cutural Activities Program
Dalhousie Medical Students Society
IWK Community Projects Grants
Carrie Wipp
Lynn Brimble
Nick Webb
Audrey Samson
Sarome Curtis
Megan Pegg
Benetta Sanchez
Emily Martinello
Marco Tashan
Sherry-Lynn Jollymore
Denis Coates
Natalie Boudreau
Janet Arthur
Tanya Magee
Mandai Mohan
Rhonda Melanson
Richard Gormley
Cassady Poehlman
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