Art, faith, and imagination came together at St. Andrew School as students explored what it means to build bridges – the Ottawa Catholic School Board’s (OCSB) Spiritual Theme for this year. Through creativity and reflection, they discovered new ways to connect with one another and their faith community.
Student Arts Society: A Creative Community
Each Thursday during lunch recess, 33 Grade 4-6 students gather as part of the Student Arts Society. This creative group explores art while connecting their work to deeper spiritual ideas.
One recent project focused on the meaning of Building Bridges. While exploring the art of Katerina Mertikas, a well-known Ottawa-based painter celebrated for her joyful and colourful depictions of community and everyday life, students were inspired by one of her paintings that featured a bridge. The class invited Mertikas to visit the school and share her artistic gifts.
A Morning of Art and Reflection
During her visit, Mertikas painted alongside the students, sharing her process and passion. As they created, the group discussed the symbolism of bridges – how they connect people, ideas, and communities.
Students then reflected on their understanding of the theme, exploring what it means to build bridges through kindness, empathy, and faith.
A Mural of Connection and Welcome
The finished mural now stands proudly in the school foyer. Each student’s painting and reflection is framed together, forming a vibrant display that welcomes everyone who enters St. Andrew School.
This collaborative artwork is more than a mural – it celebrates faith, creativity, and the shared journey of building bridges within the OCSB family.
