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What happens when your most cherished place, a secret haven teeming with life, suddenly becomes a dumping ground? Terry loves Whispering Willow Gully more than anything – it’s where water whispers, fish dart, and frogs sing. This vibrant creek is his quiet escape, a place of peace and wonder that he believes is the best in the whole wide world. But one warm day, Terry’s heart sinks. His beloved gully is no longer peaceful, marred by a jarring landscape of plastic bags, bright cans, and forgotten trash. The beautiful home of the gully's creatures is threatened, its dignity stolen. Witnessing the struggles of the frog, the bird, and the fish, Terry feels a powerful pull in his heart. Though just one boy, he knows he must act. Armed with a simple stick and a big plan, Terry sets out to reclaim the gully’s natural beauty. This heartwarming story explores the profound connection between a boy and nature, highlighting the vital importance of environmental stewardship and the courage it takes to protect our planet. Join Terry as he learns that even the smallest hands can inspire big change and remind us all that nature deserves our care and respect.

Terry’s Big Creek Clean Up

The Arts Incubator - Winnipeg October 3, 2025
A compelling new children's book, "The Pixel Mask" by author Jamie Bell, offers young readers a thoughtful look at identity, authenticity, and the paths we choose. This timely story follows a quiet teenager named Nathan, who discovers unexpected fame through his anonymous digital art. As his online persona, "Ghost_Pixel," gains recognition, Nathan finds his two separate lives colliding, prompting him to confront the challenge of accepting his true, complex self. Bell's narrative gently brings forward the core theme of the dignity of the self, encouraging young people to consider what it means to be genuine in both the digital and real worlds. Nathan's journey highlights the internal struggle many face when balancing who they present to others versus who they truly are. His anonymous art becomes a powerful tool for self-expression, a part of himself he initially keeps hidden. "The Pixel Mask" is a notable addition to the growing collection supported by the Northwestern Ontario and Manitoba storytelling program. This program, championed by the Art Borups Corners collective, is committed to fostering new voices and narratives from the region. The collective's efforts aim to provide accessible arts-focused skill development, ensuring young creators have the tools and platforms to share their unique perspectives. The book naturally touches on the increasing importance of digital literacy, showing how online spaces can be both a refuge and a challenge for identity. It also aligns with the broader goals of the program to support diverse narratives, including the rich traditions of Indigenous storytelling, by valuing individual experiences and unique creative expressions. Jamie Bell's "The Pixel Mask" stands as a valuable resource for discussions about self-acceptance, the power of art, and navigating the complexities of modern identity. It invites readers to reflect on what makes them unique and the courage it takes to live authentically.

The Pixel Mask

The Arts Incubator - Winnipeg October 3, 2025
The Art Borups Corners collective is pleased to announce the release of "The Weeds and Walls," a new short story for youth and young adults by author Jamie Bell. This engaging narrative centers on the vital theme of dignity in community, offering readers a thoughtful look at how connections can be rekindled, even in unexpected places. The story brings a fresh perspective to what it means to belong and to care for one another. "The Weeds and Walls" introduces Tony, a new kid in town who discovers forgotten messages in an overgrown garden. These messages become keys to helping his neighbors remember the importance of working together. This project is a prime example of the collective's commitment to arts-focused skill development, encouraging young writers and readers to engage deeply with storytelling. It also highlights the growing importance of digital literacy in sharing these powerful narratives with a wider audience. This story is a significant output from the broader Northwestern Ontario and Manitoba storytelling program, an initiative dedicated to nurturing new voices and strengthening community ties through narrative. The program prioritizes diverse perspectives, including those rooted in Indigenous storytelling traditions, ensuring a rich and varied landscape of local narratives. Jamie Bell's work aligns perfectly with this mission, reminding us that every community has stories waiting to be heard and valued. By focusing on themes like connection and belonging, "The Weeds and Walls" offers more than just an entertaining read; it provides a gentle call to action for young people to look closer at their own neighborhoods and the people within them. We encourage readers of all ages to discover this moving story and support the ongoing efforts of the Art Borups Corners collective to foster a vibrant storytelling culture across the region.

The Weeds and Walls

The Arts Incubator - Winnipeg October 2, 2025

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