Title: “What is Perfection”
Artist: A. Trepanier
Medium: PVC piping, aluminum, wire, wire mesh, mirror, whisk, spoon, ornament, paper
Height: 6. 7 feet

This sculpture poses the question of “What is Perfection?” As teenagers, this question is pondered often, and forced upon us by the media’s conception of the question. We are trying to live up to standards set by the media that are unattainable and we are constantly comparing ourselves to others. I chose a female human figure for my sculpture because in the media, perfections portrayed as a perfect body and face, and is especially enforced for women. The abstract parts of the body symbolize that perfection is judged by the viewer’s own opinion and interpretation, especially the mirror, because perfection is viewed differently by everyone, and everyone is perfect in their own way. On the front to the sculpture are women who are recognized for their physical beauty, while on the back of the sculpture are women who are recognized for their acts of selflessness, intelligence, and love. In taking on this project, I considered the real meaning of perfection: it is beauty. Perfection however, is not physical beauty, but the beauty of the heart and mind.

Title: Amizgozark
“ Hold a true friend, with both your hands” Nigerian proverb
Artist: C. Franco
Medium: Galvanized stove pipe, aluminum sheet, copper cake mold, copper tensor, steel forks, latex paint, feeding trough
Height: 5 feet

This piece consists of two West African symbols: ESE NE TEKREMA, “ the teeth and the tongue”, which represent friendship and interdependence, OSRAM NE NSOROMMA, “The moon and the star” which are symbols of love, faithfulness and harmony. This piece is designed to deliver the message that during the hard times that we all must face in our life, no matter how big or small, as long as we have the love and care from our friends, we know that we will be fine. A true friend is always there to help. The hard times and struggles in life was expressed by bending forks into unusual shapes, indicating that things don’t always go the way we want them to go and that sometimes our problems bend out of control and we need to seek the help of our friends.

Title: “ Make peace not war”
Artist: D. Jackson
Medium: wood, copper, wire, plastic, stained glass, paint, fabric, gum

The whole objective of this piece is to promote peace in the world.
The main focus of the work is the metal sphere with the small figure within. This figure’s expression on the face is calm and his arms are open. Many of the carvings along the shaft of the staff are patterns which were used in many Kente Cloths and other various African art works. The symbols that are also carved on the staff are there to represent things that are important in peace making. The cross represents faith, crossing links represents strength and the sun represents hope.

Title: “Defiance”
Artist: J. Merritt
Height: 6 feet

… I began to think of things in terms of found objects, which would easily send anyone who looked at it a message. I was stricken by the abundance of technology that is used and thrown away daily. I began collecting things, and thinking about the imperfection of technology. But I knew that if I really wanted to show how technology is not the answer, if I really wanted to show how it is fleeting, disposable, and imperfect, I would need to contrast technology with its polar opposite. This is where the first ideas involving nature began. The simplicity of a plant symbolizes how there are things that are not man made and are dependable and durable. The tree has endured, mostly unchanged, since the earth was very young. The constant improvement of technology and the resulting piles of obsolete waste stand in contrast to the relative perfection of the tree. The lexan tube, like planet Earth is a large container. Soil represents how everything first came from the earth. In the soil, if you look closely, are simple tools showing how the early technologies were primitive at first, but were the seeds for the technology to follow. Above the soil is a thin layer of glass showing the transition form the primordial to the technological. The soil and tree are pressed in on all fronts but the tree rises above, shadowing the pile of complex garbage below. The complexity of technology has made it disposable whereas the genius of nature is its simplicity. The quote form Aristotle says it best: “ Nature does nothing in vain”.

Title: “The Geometric Equality”
Artist: I. Vacaru
Height: 4.5 feet
“ Before God we are all equally wise and equally foolish” Einstein. My sculpture symbolizes the need for equality in society. The theme of hierarchy is expressed in my piece by the upside down pyramid, which shows hierarchy is not always the right classification for people. The theme of sexism is shown by the male and female wire figures that are identical except in their apparel. Discrimination against handicapped individuals is emphasized in the handicapped symbol. Ageism is expressed by the metal bolts, which vary from rusty ones to shinny ones. Any finally, racism is shown with the different coloured nails, which show a connection between races. My piece is made from mostly wood and metal that are mediums used in African art. I chose equality because of the many themes it involves and because I strongly believe we are all equal in the eyes of God.

Title: “Revolutionize!”
Artist: K. Godden
Medium: PVC pipe, stool base, light bulbs, wire and plug, towel holder, bicycle wheel, band -aids.

This piece is about the things that have completely revolutionized the world. The wheel has led to uncountable inventions since its creation. It is seen in everything from nearly all forms of transportation to the gears in our machinery. The light bulbs represent the ever-essential creation of artificial light and the discovery and use of electricity. The sculpture is modelled on the African wisdom staff carried by the advisors to the kings. It is for this reason that I chose to set the band-aids which represent advances in medical science in the line patterns that are commonly found in African art. The use of the PVC pipe and CD rack help to create a figure with frontal symmetry base on common elements in the African art traditions. The ring above the “head” of the figure represents the original idea that sparked the revolution. The purpose of the piece is to inspire everyone to start a revolution of his or her own.

Title: “Glimpse beyond the window”
Artist: J. Dragos
Medium: wood, plastic, paint, toys, paper.
Height: 5.3 feet
This sculpture represents the idea of isolation. Many are being judged about their appearance and not looked at for who they are. The window captures the idea of looking beyond something rather than just looking at its appearance. The unconnected puzzle pieces symbolize isolation. We need to look beyond the obvious to see who the person really is.

Title: “The Forest’s Hope”
Artist: S. Thompson
Medium: Wood, metal, fabric, string

“ Trees do nothing but keep us alive, why must we kill what we need to survive”
My piece represents the increasing deforestation of our world. I believe that this is a huge problem for our population. The mediums that I have chosen are natural products. This is used to promote an “earthy’ feel to my piece altogether. Trees and forests give us oxygen, shade, and many other things we use or need. So why must we cut down a great many forests if we need them? An earthy and ecological feel to our world promotes beauty and peace. Many people walk through forests and woodlands for artistic, mental or spiritual purposes.
Save the Trees!

Title: “Trapped - I am a girl, can I be who I want to be?”
Artist: T. Joseph
Medium: wood, paint, flooring, ceramic, juice container
Height: 56 inches

My piece represents feminism and how many girls get put down. Although in today’s society there is more equality between a man and a woman there still is a barrier between the sexes and a difference in the respect that they are given. In other parts of the world there is still barely any equality. I chose feminism as the theme for my work because I believe in the rights that a woman deserves. Women should not be put down because of their gender and should have a right to their wants and preferences. The juice container over the girl symbolizes the glass ceiling and is the most crucial part of my piece. Women should be able to stand up for themselves without the fear of men!