VISUAL CONNECTIONS : January 2010

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

FIRST UPDATE OF THE YEAR

Well it has been some time since I have sent out an update on the Visual Connections Project activities.

Starting on Tuesday January 18th the Visual Connections Project will be offering an art program for youth from The Mulgrave Park community in Halifax.

Working with two other Community Arts Educators / Leaders I will be co - facilitating a Community Arts Based Training program through NSCAD University's School of Extended Learning starting in September 2010.

I will be sending more info as these programs progress.

BIOGRAPHY

Gerard McNeil brings a diverse background to his present role as Recreation / Community Access Coach - Program Lead with the Canadian Mental Health Association - Halifax / Dartmouth Branchs' Getting Through the Door Program. For past twenty- eight years, Gerard has been engaged in a visual arts practice with exhibitions in Halifax, Toronto and St John’s. Along with his experiences in the visual arts, Gerard has been facilitating adult and community arts education programs for more than fourteen years. Paralleling this experience is some Twelve years’ experience in the Human Services field working with persons with disabilities.

Informing these experiences is an equally diverse educational background that includes a Certificate in Photography from the Halifax Regional Vocational School (NSCC), a BFA in Fine Arts from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, a Certificate in Adult Education from Henson College (Dalhousie University), a B.Ed - Visual Arts Specialist degree from NSCAD and Mount Saint Vincent University. Gerard also possesses an M.Ed in Adult Education from Mount Saint Vincent University, a Certificate in Non-Profit Sector Management from Henson College (Dalhousie University), and is a Certified PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition) Practitioner. Along with these credentials, Gerard has also completed the Tatamagouche Model of Education, Design and Leadership program (Levels One and Two), as well as participated in the Shambhala Institute for Authentic Leadership.