Community Involvement
Performance Art piece, "SHE"
Written & directed by: Sarah Skagen
"She" explores the profound impact of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) beyond its immediate abuse, permeating through lives, families, workplaces, and mental well-being. This collaborative narrative draws from the experiences of women who have bravely navigated IPV, offering a platform where their stories can be shared anonymously yet powerfully.
I was honoured to be brought on as a creative consultant in the process of bringing this show to life as well as the photographer for all promotional materials, and their design and creation.
Stay tuned for what comes next for "She"!
The first performance of "SHE" takes place August 25, 2024 as part of this year's Fringe North Festival.
Paul Mall Alley Display Project
It is an honour to have my work selected to be displayed in this year's Paul Mall Alley Display Project downtown Sault Ste. Marie.
The ARTSpeaks Project
The ArtSpeaks Project came into existence in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario in 2016 thanks to a Seed Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
ArtSpeaks operated in collaborative partnership with three local agencies invested in women's health: Breton House, Sault Area Hospital's Sexual Assault Care Centre and Phoenix Rising Women's Centre. Our inception is very much thanks to the generous in-kind support of their directors, counselors and staff.
At it's inception, The ArtSpeaks Project offered women and female-identifying individuals impacted by trauma due to sexual violence, addictions and mental health challenges, the opportunity to participate in art-based-learning through cultural mentorship with professional artists.
CHANDRA BARNETT PHOTOGRAPHY
After graduating from the Digital Imaging and Photography program at Sault College in 2013 I had the opportunity to work with some local businesses and non-profit organizations doing on site event/documentary photography. It was an honour and blessing to be offered these opportunities, not only to practice and further my career as a photographer, but to learn and participate in the projects and events taking place in my community.These jobs gave me the opportunity to meet the makers and creative minds in the Algoma district and beyond. And I am beyond grateful for these experiences.
Thinking Rock Community Arts: The Rivers Speak
Foolishness Events
Niigaaniin Services
Global Friends
Easter Seals
MAMAFESTO Magazine
I had only just moved to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, close to 15 years ago now, when I gave birth to my first child; a daughter named Magpie. I found myself feeling very isolated and in need of connecting to other people, particularly other mothers. I was unaware of the city's available venues and resources set up for mothers. Inspired by Ariel Gore's, "HIP MAMA" magazine, MAMAFESTO was my attempt at connecting mothers by way of sharing our experiences, ideas, art, and advice about motherhood, children, relationships, body, mind, love, and life. My plan was to publish them to distribute all over Canada. For the first issue I kept the topic open. A second issue was attempted but never released.
The Salty Mollies
The Salty Mollies were a Sault Ste. Marie based Burlesque Ensemble that flaunted their bump and grind from 2011-2013. The performers came from a variety of backgrounds and possessed a number fabulous talents. They dazzled and amazed audiences with unique beauty and alluring performance. Their performance offered a diverse array of musical genres and dance styles that could stimulate the senses and arouse the imagination. Originally participating as Gretta Bomb, an edgy, in your face, sexual divergent, later to become the Ensemble's booking manager and in house photographer.