Chewing gum art a real hit with kids

 By GINA ROGERS

After wowing a local elementary school with their interactive, multi-phased candy project, ‘Big Rock Candy Mountain,’ a pair of artists explained the kind of impact participatory art can have on getting students more involved in public art.

Helen Reed and Hannah Jickling, who came to Langara College’s Visiting Artists series to discuss public artwork, started the participatory project with Queen Alexandra Elementary School in East Vancouver, after the students were seeking more skills-based learning.

Reed and Jickling’s latest collaboration produced chewing gums with different flavors and names. Hello Kitty Bubble Bath is among the different kinds. Sales profits from the candies made by the students are going toward more arts supplies, workshops and visits from artists for their school.

“‘Thunder with green apple’ blows my mind, every time,” said Jickling.

Reed, who shares a background in punk and music scenes with Jickling, said they both have a very strong interest in how to showcase art outside of regular galleries.