May 28, 2019 marked the 17th Annual Mimico Village Tulip Festival. This was the fourth year that Oak Learners had the honour of participating in the festival and the second year that our students participated in the Mimico Village Street Art Project. The Street Art project has 24 4-ft tulips painted by local schools and erected along Royal York Rd in Mimico Village.
This year, the tulip painted by Oak Learners students was designed by our Art Instructor, Amanda Bhikha. Amanda has been working at a Child and Youth Worker and Art Instructor at Oak Learners since 2018. She also founded her own successful design business, Ravinzangel, through which she sells clothing and products featuring her own art and designs.
The theme of the 2019 Tulip Street Art Project was “Friendship and Community”. The Oak Learners’ tulip was painted as an oak tree. The roots of the tree are grounded in the rainbow representation of the diverse community at Oak Learners. Our members come from many different backgrounds, from different parts of Canada and around the world. The tree grows with a solid core and the trunk of the tree bears a representation of a yoga figure in “Tree Pose”, her body emanating the colours of the 7 chakras. She represents how a strong foundation in self-awareness and grounding helps us grow stronger, not only as individuals, but as a community. Following the tree upwards, it’s full leaves are warmed by a glistening sun at the top of the tulip. Growing on the branches of the tree, and sprinkling to the ground are acorns. Each acorn was individually painted by students at Oak Learners. They represent the planting and potential of each and every one of them as they make their way into the world, bringing with them the lessons and strength they have gained through being a part of our community.
