Homer’s classic poem, "The Odyssey," is highly regarded when it comes to literature on mentorship; the image of Telemachus is also often used today, in modern mentoring programs. In this modern day’s self-help publishing craze, books on mentoring like “Mentor Like Jesus” also prevail, however, by guiding people through successful careers and training programs, difficult relationships or finding a spiritual path. Unlike either forms of “literature”, this collaborative artist book was facilitated through Visual Arts Nova Scotia’s Mentorship Program.



Recognizing that most professions have a transitional training period incorporated into their qualification process - doctors have internships, lawyers must article, teachers participate in a practicum, and trades people often apprentice for a minimum of one year - Visual Arts Nova Scotia (VANS) developed the Mentorship program in 2006; through this program, VANS has been successful in advancing and sustaining the visual arts in Nova Scotia.



Extending the organizations already successful member support services and programs, the Mentorship program successfully provides an opportunity for emerging artists to develop both their creative process and their professional skills, thus building the foundation of a successful career in the visual arts. As a secondary outcome, the program offers established artists an opportunity to pass on their experience, knowledge, and insight.



This artist book project was conceived of at the 2010-11 VANS Mentorship Retreat with the aim of it being on view at the x2: 2010-11 VANS Mentorship Program exhibition at Eyelevel Gallery from August 24 – September 3, 2011.



Both the exhibition and artist book feature 2010-11 program participants (apprentices) Ruth Marsh, Kyle Cunjak, Matthew Carswell, (mentors) Adrian Fish, Cathy Busby and Melinda Spooner.



VANS gratefully acknowledges the contributions of the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage, The Craig Foundation, the RBC Foundation & Eyelevel Gallery who provided support to the 2010-2011 Mentorship Program.



For more information, please visit http://www.visualarts.ns.ca/programs/mentorship-program/.