2013 First Nations, Inuit and Métis Art Show and Sale
September 24 through October 12, 2013.
Mary Winspear Centre
www.marywinspear.ca
This cultural undertaking between local artists and Saanich community groups has grown in size over the past four years. Held on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish people, the show includes a variety of Indigenous cultures and types of artwork: carving, weaving, prints, jewelry, pottery and leatherwork. Stories, music and demonstrations will enliven the changing displays of quality art.
Charles Elliott is a member of the Tsartlip Nation in Brentwood Bay. Over four decades, using research,
carving and education, the artist has worked tirelessly to revive Coast Salish culture.
Charles communicates his knowledge by teaching in the classroon, and mentoring emerging Indigenous artists. His masks, carvings and prints are collected internationally, and his House Posts grace local venues such as Thrifty Foods Saanich, Victoria Airport, Mary Winspear Centre and the University of Victoria.
“Swan Table” by Chas Elliott, acrylic on yellow cedar with glass top.
The artist created this original design featuring two swans. “
“I wanted to something elegant, beautiful and useful,” Chas says.
The traditional Salish shapes of circles, ovals, crescents and darts animate the feathers and body of the swans.
Chas Elliott is the son of Myrna and Charles Elliott. At 17, he knows that carving will always be part of his life. The legends that animate Coast Salish artworks resonate with Chas. “The morals of the stories teach respect for animals and humans,” he says, “that we are all created equal.” The Thunderbird is a gigantic winged creature with supernatural powers, found in legends throughout North America. The bird’s head is on the lid and the wing feathers wrap around the sides. The human figure seen on the front of the box, on the thunderbird’s chest, represents the human aspect of divine energy. On this birch box, Chas sketched out a thunderbird design. Then he used a series of palm chisels, (small straight knives) to pull or push away the wood. Acrylic paint in white and black finished the box. |
Lindsay Delaronde is professional practicing artist, living in Victoria.
She completed her BFA at Emily Carr Institute and her MFA at UVic.
In May 2013, her art was included in Stands With a Fist: Contemporary Native Women Artists at the
Museum of Contemporary Native Arts in Santa Fe.
Raised on the Kahnawake reservation in Quebec, her background is Iroquois and Mohawk.
Her latest work, “War Canoe Paddles” is on exhibit at Kahnawake.
|
Carver Lionel Samuels was born in Massett, Haida Gwaii, into a well-known family of artists.
His works are in collections worldwide, Including the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, the Burke Museum in Seattle and the Haida Heritage Centre in Skidegate.
In May of this year, “Expressions in Haida Mythology” a solo show of the artist’s argillite carvings, opened at the Steinbrueck Native Gallery in Seattle. www.steinbruecknativegallery.com
Selena Aurica Bondoc is a talented self-taught beader and jewelry maker.
Inspired by nature’s patterns, she skillfully weaves colour harmonies and contrasts into her beadwork. Selena’s heritage is Colombian, Métis and Cree.
Her business motto is Mindful Creations - One Bead at a Time.
September 24 was an exciting day at the Mary Winspear Centre.
Eager guests arrived early and sales were brisk at the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Art Show.
The opening ceremonies featured prayers, songs and words of praise for the hardworking organizers of the well-attended event. Photos of several of the artists at the event follow.
The show continues until Oct 12, with ongoing demonstrations by artists and new works arriving daily.
2013 First Nations, Inuit & Métis Art Show and Sale
September 24 through October 12, 2013.
Open daily, Monday to Saturday. Mary Winspear Centre:
2243 Beacon Ave, Sidney.
Phone: 250 656-0275 www.marywinspear.ca
Web Design, Content and Photos: Kate Cino previewed arts events for 18 years at Boulevard magazine. She has a History in Art degree and Public Relations certificate from the University of Victoria. For ten years, Kate operated an art & framing shop. [email protected] |