2012 First Nations and Métis Art Show and Sale

I am proud to be a part of this event starting today!

Dates: September 28 to October 21, 2012.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm .
Location : Community Arts Centre,  Tulista Park at 5th and Weiler in Sidney.

The Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula is hosting the Fourth Annual Invitational First Nations and Métis Art Show this fall at the Arts Centre at Tulista Park in Sidney.  The Arts Council extends an invitation to come and experience this exciting annual event held in traditional Coast Salish territory.

This is a unique art show in Canada, because it represents all the First Peoples designated by the Government of Canada.  While there have been one time art exhibitions, this is the first continuous art show that has represented First Nations artists from across Canada.  Alongside the local Coast Salish territories artists, there are also artisans from the Métis, Mohawk, Blackfoot, Cree, Ojibway, Navajo, Inuit, and Chickasaw Nations.

To quote Mayor Larry Cross of Sidney:  “The show has grown exponentially over the past 3 years and is important to the Town of Sidney in building community relations and understanding the spirit of the First Nations cultures.”

Some of the Arts Council’s stated purposes are to nurture an appreciation of visual and performing arts within the community, and to provide artists with exposure to local audiences by providing opportunities for artists to perform or exhibit their work locally.  This function touches the very roots of the objectives of the Arts Council and reaches out to bridge gaps and promote understanding within the region.

Both traditional and emerging lower island artists with First Nations and Métis heritage including a wide variety of backgrounds and experience will be featured.
Two returning artists Virgil Sampson and Tobias Tomlinson are working together with the Arts Council to produce a quality art show which promises to include an outstanding collection of work. They have contacted over fourty new and returning artists who are expected to show their art, interact with the public and demonstrate their work.   A few of the artists anticipated to take part include Charles Elliott, Chris Paul, Doug Lafortune, Frank Lewis. Charlene George, Debbie Hunt, Mark Henry, Lindsay Delorande, Stephanie Papik and Kevin Brophy.

The whole gallery will be displayed to reflect the intent and spirit of the event.  Stories and music will add to the ambiance of the ever changing show. The diversity of art expressions will include: carving, weaving, prints, fabric art, drums, rattles, pottery, beading, leather work, painting, jewelry and some that might surprise you!   Don’t miss your opportunity to win one of the fabulous prizes donated by Tobias Tomlinson, Dylan Thomas and Frank Lewis.  Come often to meet many of the artists, see changing displays.