UCDSB Students Bring Awareness to Human Trafficking at Art Exhibit

Brockville – Students from the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) used their creativity to shed light on the realities of human trafficking through the Take A Stand art exhibit, a show developed by Maison Baldwin House, a women’s shelter in Cornwall. Seven UCDSB schools—Char-Lan District High School, Cornwall Collegiate and Vocational School (CCVS), Glengarry District High School, North Dundas District High School, Tagwi Secondary School, Seaway District High School, and St. Lawrence Secondary School (SLSS)— participated in this initiative, which challenged students to turn white jeans into powerful artistic statements.

Three UCDSB students have been recognized for their outstanding work, earning top awards out of 500 submissions. Grade 9 Tagwi student Abigail St.Onge’s piece, A Harsh Reality, was displayed on a mannequin at Cline House Callery in Cornwall March 7-8.

“I wanted to show the darker side of human trafficking, the part that can’t be ignored. My piece uses cracks, rips, and safety pins to symbolize both vulnerability and resilience,” says St.Onge. “This experience has been incredible. Not only did I learn about a serious issue, but I also had the chance to use my art to bring attention to it. Hearing that my work is displayed in a gallery is something I never imagined.”

The other award winners are Layla Labelle, a Grade 12 student at SLSS, and Dayannah O’Shaugnessy, a Grade 12 student at CCVS. Each student received a $50 gift certificate as their prize.

Led by Maison Baldwin House Public Educator Danielle McCormick, the initiative involved Human Trafficking 101 presentations for Grade 7-12 students across 11 schools in the Cornwall area. Following these sessions, students were given white jeans that were donated to the shelter and tasked with creating visual pieces that reflect the impact of human trafficking.

“Take A Stand has not only provided students with an opportunity to explore their artistic abilities but also deepened their understanding of human trafficking and its local impact,” says Erynn Doherty, a participating art teacher from Tagwi Secondary School.

Following a successful debut at the Cline House Gallery in Cornwall, the collection will be showcased in Brockville at the Marianne van Silfhout Gallery at St. Lawrence College from March 27-29. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in free Human Trafficking 101 information sessions led by Maison Baldwin House, providing important context to the artwork and fostering a deeper understanding of the issue.

Sessions are free and open to students, educators, and the public. Get more info about the sessions here.