Bedford was approached to create an artwork of Analu Rios Caldaz, basing it around her life after a discussion with her. She settled on puzzle pieces being the main inspiration, after Caldaz mentioned enjoying artistic puzzles. She has named the piece, “The Book of Analu.” Photo by Carolyn Bedford /Carissa AinslieArticle contentPICTOU – Creative Pictou County is hosting a new art event later this month.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentStories Across Generations is a free-entry event taking place on Sept. 27 and Oct. 8 at deCoste Culture Hub in Pictou, funded by Arts Nova Scotia. Article contentArticle contentFeaturing five local artists, five newcomers, and five local elders, the event will share people’s art and their life stories. Article content“It’s a great opportunity for the community to learn and appreciate people and their stories,” said Carissa Ainslie, executive director of Creative Pictou County. “We have a bunch of talented artists who have made a great connection with someone from the community, turning their experiences into art.”Article contentArticle contentAinslie came up with Stories Across Generations after a conversation with someone on an arts council in Ontario, who was hosting a similar event. The conversation inspired her to create a community-driven event like this. The event is aimed at connecting people in the community through art, particularly new people to the county who can now learn from people who have spent their whole lives in the area.Article content“People seemed hesitant to participate and offer themselves to be painted first,” said Analu Rios Caldaz, a Brazilian whose story is being depicted in Stories Across Generations. “After speaking with the artist and seeing her work, I am very happy that I decided to take part in this. I am excited to see what other stories are being represented and how they compare to mine.”Article content Carissa Ainslie is the executive director for Creative Pictou County. Photo by ContributedArticle contentOne of the artists taking part in Stories Across Generations is Carolyn Bedford, a local artist of 40 years who created the artwork for Caldaz’s story. Bedford had just finished a commission for a local library when Ainslie asked her to speak with Caldaz about what they could make.Article contentArticle content“I was originally wondering how I was going to feature her in my art,” said Bedford. “I have worked with welding and bronze casting, but I wasn’t certain what kind of painting I would make to encompass a person’s entire story on canvas. That’s when she told me about her interest in puzzles of artworks, and I knew immediately what it had to be.”Article contentBedford says that the biggest challenge was not only finding a way to communicate Caldaz’s story efficiently, but also to provide space for viewers to ask questions.Article content“This is about her, less about the artist,” said Bedford. “We want people to ask questions about what each part of the painting means, and be interested in learning more about her. I called it the Book of Analu, and I have promised to give it to her after the showcase. I’m eager to see how we did and how other artists rose to the challenge.”Article contentThis event is one of many that Ainslie plans to put on for Pictou County. She says that it is important for anyone new to the area to see the talent of local artists and what they are doing in the community.Article content“It’s important to come out to events like this, to come out and make connections in our rural community,” said Ainslie. “It helps with our funding if people show an interest in our local artists, and there’s always stuff around for people to find. If anyone wants to be involved in our community, they need to come out to these events and support each other.”Article contentFurther details can be found on their website. Article content
New artists collaborate with locals to create a new art show
