The Seasonal Circle – Talkoot

Welcome

Welcome to the online journal for The Seasonal Circle – Talkoot, a year-long public art project with Terra Nova Nature School in Richmond, British Columbia.

Over the coming year, I will be working with two groups of young learners (ages 3–5) to explore the changing seasons through observation, art-making, and shared experiences in Terra Nova Rural Park. Together, we will discover what the landscape offers us, and consider how we might care for it in return.

Inspired by the Finnish tradition of Talkoot — coming together to build and care for shared places — the project approaches art as a collaborative process. Rather than beginning with a predetermined artwork, we will allow the children, the seasons, and the landscape itself to guide the work as it unfolds.

Throughout the year we will observe seasonal changes, gather natural materials, create temporary site-responsive installations, weave, build, tell stories, and document our discoveries. These experiences will gradually contribute to our relationship with the nature and the seasons.

This website will serve as an evolving record of the project. I’ll share seasonal reflections, photographs, moments of discovery, and insights from our workshops as we move through autumn, winter, spring, and summer.

Thank you for joining us on this journey.

— Paula

About the Project

Project: The Seasonal Circle – Talkoot
Location: Terra Nova Nature School, Richmond, BC
Duration: September 2026 – June 2027

This project is commissioned by Richmond Public Art in partnership with Thompson Community Association as part of the Engaging Artists in Community Program.

Guiding Question

What does the land give us? How do we care in return?

Photography & Privacy
This journal documents the creative process of the project. Images of participants will be shared only with appropriate permissions and in accordance with City of Richmond and Terra Nova Nature School policies.