DO'C Art Club Wins First Place in Toronto Zoo's Rain Barrel Project

Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School recently participated in the Toronto Zoo’s Rain Barrel Project, a fundraiser supporting conservation and sustainability initiatives at the Toronto Zoo. The project brought together high school artists, community partners, Toronto Zoo staff, and volunteers with a shared mandate to transform rain barrels into one-of-a-kind works of art.

Members of the DO’C Art Club collaborated on a design concept and submitted a proposal titled Every Piece Matters, a puzzle configuration, inspired by the importance of biodiversity and the role every species plays in maintaining balance in our ecosystem.

The design proposal was accepted as one of thirty selected from over 100 entries across the GTA. Once accepted, the artists attended a workshop at the Zoo, where they learned how rain barrels are a simple, but powerful way to conserve water, and were given suggestions for painting materials and techniques.

The artists spent the next two months painting our rain barrel and brainstorming ways to raise money to bid on their finished piece. Funds were raised through a school-wide Pictionary buyout coordinated by the Art Club and Art Council. Not only was the buyout a great deal of fun, it was also a tremendous success. Along with a BBQ raffle led by Ms. A. Hughes, DO’C raised $1,007 to secure the highest bid and grand prize which includes a private “Zoo Encounter” for the artists, an art tablet, and a generous donation to the DO'C Art Department. 

Kyla Greenham, Manager of Environmental Sustainability at the Toronto Zoo, described the Zoo’s Rain Barrel Project as “where art meets purpose".  It was also the perfect opportunity for our students to put their faith into action and to grow as collaborative contributors, reflective and creative thinkers, and responsible citizens.

Many thanks to everyone involved!