In honour of Black History Month, students at the Ottawa Catholic School Board were treated to a unique opportunity with pre-recorded virtual art lessons from artist, author and designer, Fatuma Kou.
Born in Liberia and raised in Canada, Kou became a published writer in 2018 and held her first book signing a year later in 2019. She draws, paints, sews and spends time giving back to the community at a local shelter here in Ottawa.
Through OCSB Arts Education Consultants Graham Mastersmith and Laura Mazzarello, Kou provided our educators with a series of virtual art lessons for students in Kindergarten to grade 12 geared to their respective grade levels. Each guided project invites students on a journey inspired by Fatuma’s African heritage and home in Canada.
“Finding artists within our very own community is really important” said OCSB Elementary Arts Consultant Laura Mazzarello. “Through her artistry, Fatuma is able to deliver stories from her life experiences here in Ottawa, while also bringing students on a journey from past to present. This allows for more students to feel a greater connection to the artist and draw on inspiration from her life.”
We’re very grateful to Fatuma for sharing her talent, passion and gift of storytelling with our OCSB community this month and enriching our experience of Black History Month!