Latest news with #Marsden
Scoop
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Peripheral Views: Marsden's Artist In Residence Exhibition Opens At Te Auaha
After six inspiring weeks at Samuel Marsden Collegiate School, award-winning artist Connah Podmore concludes her time as the 2025 Artist in Residence with a collaborative exhibition, Peripheral Views, at Te Auaha from 19 – 29 June. Established in 1999, Marsden's Artist in Residence programme invites professional artists to work closely with students, building on a legacy of artistic excellence and creative exchange. This year, Connah Podmore – whose poetic drawing practice explores the depth found in everyday moments – shared her distinctive approach to composition, mark-making and process with Marsden's Visual Art students. Throughout the residency, students were encouraged to look beyond the obvious, to engage with subtle shifts of light and shadow, and to work in reverse – removing rather than adding – to build their images. Students learned to see the familiar with new eyes. 'I enjoyed learning about Connah's story and hearing the meaning behind her work,' said Olive, Year 10. 'I found shading the black canvas with a malleable rubber challenging, but I learnt how to use charcoal to create light, shadow, and monochrome depth.' Pina, Year 10 added, 'It was fascinating that instead of working from light to dark, we worked from dark to light. I learned to play with light and shadows, and to find ways to add interest to my work.' 'I loved creating a charcoal piece with Connah,' said Maddie, also in Year 10. 'Working with charcoal was a new concept to me. We took photos of shadows and recreated them using malleable rubbers to bring out the light. Connah was so inspiring and talented.' Sudhiksha in Year 10 reflected, 'It was really fun to turn a blank sheet of paper into art using only charcoal and a malleable eraser. I enjoyed going out to take photos and exploring lighting in interesting ways – turning those photos into artwork was really cool.' Kathryn Cotter, Head of Visual Art at Marsden, said the experience had a powerful impact on students: 'Connah brings a new way of viewing and interpreting familiar environments, which has really resonated with our students. Her thoughtful and experimental approach encouraged them to slow down, to observe more carefully, and to find creative depth in what they might otherwise overlook. We were incredibly privileged to have an artist of Connah's calibre in residence – her generosity in sharing her practice and process made this a truly inspiring and transformative opportunity.' The residency extended beyond Marsden, with Connah also leading a creative workshop for local primary school students on 9 May. Titled A Window on the World, the session encouraged young artists to explore texture and layering using found objects, foliage, talcum powder and water to create expressive prints. Each student selected a favourite to frame within a custom paper 'window,' giving their work a sense of perspective and place. They then had fun cutting up and collaging their remaining monoprints to create wonderful new compositions. It was a fun, hands-on introduction to creative thinking and visual storytelling. The upcoming exhibition, Peripheral Views, invites audiences to meditate on the gentle details often glanced over and discover layers of complexity in the seemingly simple. Drawing on the dispersion of light, the fleeting nature of vision, and the subtle distance between observer and object, Connah and students of Marsden present work that explores a shifting from subject to sensation. Exhibition details: Te Auaha Gallery, 65 Dixon Street, Wellington 19–29 June Monday–Friday 8.30am–6.00pm | Weekends 10.00am–3.00pm Artworks are available for purchase Marsden is proud to support and nurture creative potential through its Artist in Residence programme. Connah's time at Marsden has been both inspirational and enriching for students, staff, and the wider school community.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
A Metal Detectorist Found an Ancient Gold Coin That May Mark the Rise of Christianity
Here's what you'll learn when you read this story: A metal detectorist discovered a rare gold coin from the seventh century in an English field. The coin is the first schilling of its kind ever found and includes a depiction of a man dancing. The newly discovered shilling tested at about 60 percent gold content. A gold shilling located by a metal detectorist near Norwich may be no larger than a fingernail, but it wields quite a bit of history—and some distinct designs. The small gold coin discovered in the fall has led coin expert Adrian Marsden of the Norfolk Historic Environment Service to research the unique emblems marking the coin. He published his view on the find in The Searcher, highlighting that the coin is the first of its kind ever found. 'It's of a wholly new type, undoubtedly English—and East Anglian,' he wrote, adding that it's likely from the seventh century A.D., likely between 640 and 660 A.D., when Pagan beliefs were giving way to Christianity in Britain. Located in an area that has yielded other seventh-century coins, the decorated schilling is connected to a series of shillings Marsden has seen before. But this one is still in a class on its own, thanks in part to the design that packs plenty in a small space. 'The obverse of this one has a man, with a rather oversized head, performing what appears to be a jig with his legs crossed whilst placing a cross, held out in his left hand, over an odd design composed of three interlocked triangles,' Marsden wrote. He said the Christian elements with the cross are obvious, inspired by the standard depiction of Christian emperors of the late Roman empire. The interlinked triangles are better known as a valknut, he said, a pagan design that has an uncertain meaning. They could be associated with the Scandinavian god Odin, who helped bring the dead to the afterlife, but the expert calls that 'speculation,' since nobody is quite sure what the valknut—the word is a modern compound meaning knot of those fallen in battle—symbol really stands for. The other side includes a cross-like design enclosed by a border of small pellets. The questions surrounding the symbolism point to a time where both Pagan and Christian images were used, Marsden says. The unique design could be a form of a cross or even a swastika, which at the time was likely a good luck symbol. The coin also had a poor attempt at a Latin-style inscription that Marsden said really didn't amount to any language. The coin was tested for purity, and all results rendered it with a gold content of over 56 percent to over 60 percent, in line with a modern-day wedding ring, giving the coin a pure look that would have likely been uncommon in the seventh century. Under the nation's updated Treasure Act, the coin will likely be displayed at a museum, possibly the Norwich Castle Museum. 'I think that this shilling does stand at the head of an East Anglian Royal coinage that quickly—as the kingdom became Christian—got rid of the valknut and retained the cross,' Marsden surmised about the provenance. 'The new coin straddles two eras, the Pagan and the Christian.' You Might Also Like The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Thomasville Stars Night returns June 17 to honor unsung heroes
THOMASVILLE — The Thomasville Stars Night will take place on June 17 at Historic Finch Field to honor local individuals who make Thomasville a better place — often without recognition. The annual event is a partnership between Thomasville Tourism and the High Point-Thomasville HiToms baseball team. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., the event celebrates the contributions of nine outstanding community members, each nominated by a local organization for their integrity, commitment and quiet leadership, creating Thomasville's 'Starting Lineup.' 'Our annual awards event isn't like anything you've seen before,' said Cameron Marsden, director of Thomasville Tourism. 'It's a meaningful celebration of the everyday heroes who quietly shape our community. Come help us honor these Unsung Heroes while enjoying America's favorite pastime at the city's beloved Historic Finch Field with the HiToms.' Marsden emphasizes that the event is about more than recognition — it's about bringing people together to celebrate service, kindness and the deep-rooted values that make Thomasville a special place to call home. The 2025 Thomasville Stars honorees are: Rusty Goins (nominated by HiToms): A lifelong Thomasville resident, Goins has served the community for more than 45 years as a dedicated member of Thomasville Rescue Station No. 5 and a youth baseball coach. A leader in technical rescue operations and a Shriner Mason, he exemplifies service and heart in Chair City. * Shameka Warren-Oyekunle (nominated by Novant Health): As a guest services representative in surgical services, Warren-Oyekunle brings compassion and excellence to everything she does. Loved by patients and staff alike, she is known for going the extra mile every single day. * Ryan McClamrock (nominated by Davidson County Schools): From star linebacker at East Davidson to longtime assistant football coach and current athletic director and head football coach, McClamrock has poured decades of leadership and loyalty into Thomasville's youth with his unwavering commitment to the school and community. * Apostle James Carter (nominated by Citadel of Faith Christian Fellowship): Pastor of Cornerstone Church for 50 years, Carter is a steady spiritual guide and community builder. Through his decades of leadership, he has worked tirelessly to build what he calls the 'beloved community.' * Jessica Nance (nominated by the Thomasville Area Chamber of Commerce): Following catastrophic flooding in western North Carolina, Nance stepped up to deliver resources, comfort and support to families in need — without ever seeking praise. A business owner and active community volunteer, her humility and care continue to inspire many. * Megan Anderson (nominated by Thomasville Tourism): Anderson and her team have transformed Holly Hill Memorial Park into a welcoming, peaceful community space and launched numerous support initiatives for first responders, including a dedicated nonprofit and annual appreciation events. * Tonya Kennedy (nominated by the YMCA): With more than 20 years of service at the Y, Tonya has been a cornerstone in child care and youth programming. Her leadership in the Kids Club ensures Thomasville's children are cared for, encouraged and empowered every day. * Jerry Mearite (nominated by CCM): A devoted board member with Cooperative Community Ministry and active participant at St. John's AME Church, Mearite dedicates his time and heart to serving those most in need across the city. * Misty Beck (nominated by the city of Thomasville): Representing the Thomasville Police Department, Misty Beck is recognized for her ongoing commitment to public service and her steadfast presence in ensuring safety and community connection. For more information, contact Cameron Marsden at CMarsden@
Hamilton Spectator
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Prince Rupert gas pipeline cleared to keep environmental permit indefinitely
Prince Rupert gas pipeline cleared to keep environmental permit indefinitely The Prince Rupert gas pipeline project is 'substantially started' and will keep its valid environmental certificate for the life of the pipeline, the BC Environmental Assessment Office has ruled. The Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) pipeline is jointly owned by the Nisga'a Nation and Western LNG, but other First Nations and environmentalists say the decision favours corporate interests over climate commitments and Indigenous rights. Tara Marsden, sustainability director for the Gitanyow hereditary chiefs, said the decision was not unexpected, but still 'damaging and daunting.' She said the province frequently bends or breaks its own laws and regulations to accommodate PRGT, undermining the integrity of the environmental review process. 'This is absolutely not in the interests of Gitanyow and many other nations who have expressed concern,' Marsden said. 'It's going to be a significant reversal of the climate policy of this government.' The BC government has legislated targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But according to critics, pursuing additional LNG and pipeline projects will undercut any progress made by adding significant new emissions that were not considered in the province's climate plans. Marsden said the government is acting without responsibility, forcing First Nations to fight in court because it doesn't respect consultation, Indigenous rights, UNDRIP or true consent — and the decision was politically and economically driven, not based on policy, law or sound science. 'This government can now do whatever it pleases with no accountability,' Marsden said. 'First Nations are left to fight for these things on the ground and in the courts.' She said the report by the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) — the agency tasked with technical review — was 'very slim,' noting that Gitanyow's own submission was likely twice as long. Janelle Lapointe, senior advisor at the David Suzuki Foundation and member of Stellat'en First Nation, said the approval casts significant doubt on the province's willingness to meet its climate targets, respect Indigenous rights and title, and even follow its own policy on determining whether a project has had a 'substantial start.' The keyword — substantial start — is critical because under BC's Environmental Assessment Act, a project's environmental certificate will expire unless enough real, physical work has been completed on the ground before a set deadline — in this case, November 25, 2024. According to the EAO report , the PRGT pipeline was considered 'substantially started' because the company cleared 42 km of pipeline route, built nine permanent bridges, upgraded or built 47 km of access roads, and set up work areas before the deadline. The company also spent about $584 million on the project since 2013. The concerns related to greenhouse gas emissions and incomplete permits were not part of the decision and was mainly based on the physical work completed on the ground. 'If PRGT was really a good project, it wouldn't need a decade-old permit, quiet approvals, and a government bending the rules to push it through,' Lapointe said. She said since the original environmental assessment certificate was issued in 2014, lands, waterways, and ecology have only become more vulnerable due to continued extraction, corporate greed, and the accelerating effects of climate change. Lapointe said the project will cross hundreds of fish-bearing streams and rivers in a watershed that her community depends on. The government is again refusing to ensure the project won't harm their ecosystems, especially salmon — a key species important to their culture and vital to the local economy, she said. 'The province has failed to address the concerns of the Indigenous nations asserting their rights to protect our territory. It sets a very dangerous precedent,' Lapointe said. She pointed out that newly passed Bill 15 and the PRGT approval highlight a troubling trend — the provincial government is making it easier for corporations to move projects forward, while making it difficult for Indigenous nations to exercise their rights and oppose developments that threaten their territories. 'Are they going to allow outdated permits from 2014 to be treated as more legitimate than the rights of sovereign nations? I am left wondering, why is our province bending over backwards to hand over critical energy infrastructure to American billionaires?' Lapointe said. Christina Smethurst, communications head at Dogwood BC, a Victoria-based non-profit, non-partisan citizen action group, said while the EAO issued the approval, there has been no clear public statement or ownership from elected government officials about the decision, with significant environmental, Indigenous rights and economic implications. 'The BC NDP have abandoned any semblance of caring about climate change,' Smethurst said. 'Where is the government on this? Who of our elected officials will take responsibility for making this decision?' Marsden said Gitanyow is preparing legal and other actions, and the fight to protect their lands will continue. Lapointe said they would follow Gitanyow's lead in the ongoing opposition to the pipeline. Marsden also challenged the narrative that this project would help Canada's energy independence. 'This isn't about getting out from under the thumb of Americans. It's actually about enriching people who are in Trump's inner circle,' Marsden said. Sonal Gupta / Local Journalism Initiative / Canada's National Observer Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
National Observer
06-06-2025
- Politics
- National Observer
Prince Rupert gas pipeline cleared to keep environmental permit indefinitely
The Prince Rupert gas pipeline project is 'substantially started' and will keep its valid environmental certificate for the life of the pipeline, the BC Environmental Assessment Office has ruled. The Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) pipeline is jointly owned by the Nisga'a Nation and Western LNG, but other First Nations and environmentalists say the decision favours corporate interests over climate commitments and Indigenous rights. Tara Marsden, sustainability director for the Gitanyow hereditary chiefs, said the decision was not unexpected, but still 'damaging and daunting.' She said the province frequently bends or breaks its own laws and regulations to accommodate PRGT, undermining the integrity of the environmental review process. 'This is absolutely not in the interests of Gitanyow and many other nations who have expressed concern,' Marsden said. 'It's going to be a significant reversal of the climate policy of this government." The BC government has legislated targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But according to critics, pursuing additional LNG and pipeline projects will undercut any progress made by adding significant new emissions that were not considered in the province's climate plans. Marsden said the government is acting without responsibility, forcing First Nations to fight in court because it doesn't respect consultation, Indigenous rights, UNDRIP or true consent — and the decision was politically and economically driven, not based on policy, law or sound science. 'This is absolutely not in the interests of Gitanyow and many other nations who have expressed concern,' Tara Marsden, sustainability director for the Gitanyow hereditary chiefs. 'It's going to be a significant reversal of the climate policy." 'This government can now do whatever it pleases with no accountability,' Marsden said. 'First Nations are left to fight for these things on the ground and in the courts.' She said the report by the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) — the agency tasked with technical review — was 'very slim,' noting that Gitanyow's own submission was likely twice as long. Janelle Lapointe, senior advisor at the David Suzuki Foundation and member of Stellat'en First Nation, said the approval casts significant doubt on the province's willingness to meet its climate targets, respect Indigenous rights and title, and even follow its own policy on determining whether a project has had a 'substantial start.' The keyword — substantial start — is critical because under BC's Environmental Assessment Act, a project's environmental certificate will expire unless enough real, physical work has been completed on the ground before a set deadline — in this case, November 25, 2024. According to the EAO report, the PRGT pipeline was considered 'substantially started' because the company cleared 42 km of pipeline route, built nine permanent bridges, upgraded or built 47 km of access roads, and set up work areas before the deadline. The company also spent about $584 million on the project since 2013. The concerns related to greenhouse gas emissions and incomplete permits were not part of the decision and was mainly based on the physical work completed on the ground. 'If PRGT was really a good project, it wouldn't need a decade-old permit, quiet approvals, and a government bending the rules to push it through,' Lapointe said. She said since the original environmental assessment certificate was issued in 2014, lands, waterways, and ecology have only become more vulnerable due to continued extraction, corporate greed, and the accelerating effects of climate change. Lapointe said the project will cross hundreds of fish-bearing streams and rivers in a watershed that her community depends on. The government is again refusing to ensure the project won't harm their ecosystems, especially salmon — a key species important to their culture and vital to the local economy, she said. 'The province has failed to address the concerns of the Indigenous nations asserting their rights to protect our territory. It sets a very dangerous precedent,' Lapointe said. She pointed out that newly passed Bill 15 and the PRGT approval highlight a troubling trend — the provincial government is making it easier for corporations to move projects forward, while making it difficult for Indigenous nations to exercise their rights and oppose developments that threaten their territories. 'Are they going to allow outdated permits from 2014 to be treated as more legitimate than the rights of sovereign nations? I am left wondering, why is our province bending over backwards to hand over critical energy infrastructure to American billionaires?' Lapointe said. Christina Smethurst, communications head at Dogwood BC, a Victoria-based non-profit, non-partisan citizen action group, said while the EAO issued the approval, there has been no clear public statement or ownership from elected government officials about the decision, with significant environmental, Indigenous rights and economic implications. "The BC NDP have abandoned any semblance of caring about climate change,' Smethurst said. "Where is the government on this? Who of our elected officials will take responsibility for making this decision?' Marsden said Gitanyow is preparing legal and other actions, and the fight to protect their lands will continue. Lapointe said they would follow Gitanyow's lead in the ongoing opposition to the pipeline. Marsden also challenged the narrative that this project would help Canada's energy independence. 'This isn't about getting out from under the thumb of Americans. It's actually about enriching people who are in Trump's inner circle,' Marsden said.
