Kim Soo is a member of the Lakota Woodmountain reserve in Southern Saskatchewan.
Artist statement:
“My Great Grandmother walked to Woodmountain with Sitting Bull and their people back in the day”.
My Grandmother and Mother were born in Woodmountain. I have been blessed with so many opportunities in life that it leaves me humble. From a meager start that was filled with sadness, abuse and shame I survived! I taught school for 24 years…in one capacity or another! I have taught ART to 150 children a week for 4 years. I also taught ART to adults in continuing education. I was invited to give special presentations for 15 years to an all boy’s private high school. I shared our culture but I always had to share our ‘Upsetting” history too! We have to share the bad with the good…what can I say?
I was the Cultural Enrichment worker for 3 years in Vancouver inner city schools.
I did my best to comfort the children and their families. What a time it was… abject poverty at its worst. Yet the children were so sweet and loving! Smart too! I really enjoyed teaching on Professional Development Days with my fellow colleagues. Plus, I probably went to every school in Vancouver storytelling in grades K to 7!!
All the while trying to understand what had happened to me as a child. Now let me tell you it takes a lifetime to heal from painful childhood experiences. I had to hold on to the good to live! This I share so that others that come from an upsetting background can know things do get better! I have had a few dozen ART exhibits, created a few books and 91 children’s shows!
I have had the help of so many GOOD people that it boggles the mind! I am so grateful for everyone that believed in my visions…so very grateful.
You are invited to the Opening Reception Saturday June 1st 1 to 4pm.
