Renee Moostoos is a fledgling artist that is perfect for the SCYAP Urban Canvas Project 12. Recommended to the program by her foster parents, Moostoos has hit the ground running and is embracing the artistic training she is getting.

Renee Moostoos is honing her art skills at SCYAP Urban Canvas 12.

“This is great. Doing art every day is awesome. I usually like doing sketches. But now I am learning I enjoy painting and watercolor painting,” said Moostoos at the opening of the annual art show for SCYAP participants. “And I have met so many good people already. I’m just looking forward to doing lots of painting and hosting art shows.” She hopes to transition from SCYAP to post secondary school.

SCYAP takes in youth that may be struggling and teaches them life and employment skills as well as the finer skills to become the artists they really are. The work of previous SCYAP artists can be seen on power and utility boxes around Saskatoon and on the side of the White Buffalo Youth Lodge.

“This year the project for the students will be to paint four more utility boxes and we will also redo the White Buffalo Youth Lodge mural,” said SCYAP Projects Manager Tammy Krueckl. “This is a really exciting year for us and the students.”

Related:

• Program gives youth more than just art on a canvas
• PHOTOS: SCYAP's 2015 Urban Canvas Project
• Urban Canvas Project in high demand

Student Karla Bowman summed up the student experience succinctly as she thanked the sponsors for helping with the program. “We want to take the opportunity to better ourselves as individuals and to contribute as leaders,” said Bowman. “I have learned lots in the last two months already about life, people, artistic skills and even rock climbing. We feel very privileged to have this opportunity. It is a wonderful place to be.”