From November 21-22 check out the Indigenous & Ingenious Show & Sale at the Ralph Thornton Centre (765 queen St. E.). Distinctly, uniquely Aboriginal works by fifteen artists, artisans and designers will be showcased and available for sale from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. both days. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.
Featured artists, diverse in their artistic expressions, both traditional and contemporary, all have a commitment to excellence, pride in their Aboriginal heritage, and enthusiasm about sharing their culture through their art.
Several of the artists are renowned internationally. Many have exhibited their work in solo and group shows, or fashion shows, or had work commissioned by collectors and corporations.
Among the many artistic offerings at Indigenous & Ingenious are: skillfully worked soapstone carvings by Mohawk artist Ryan Hill; watercolour landscapes evoking the silence and solitude of northern forests by Joseph Sagaj, Anishnawbe visual artist; wearable art by beadwork artist Naomi Smith combining porcupine quills and beads; paintings by Jay Bell Redbird depicting the timeless legends of the Anishnawbe peoples; acrylic paintings by Jay Soule that speak to the political struggles and the resilience of First Nations people; exquisite handcrafted baby moccasins by Frank Wassegijig.
Indigenous & Ingenious will also feature Anishnawbe chef Charles Catchpole who will tantalize the tastebuds with his Aboriginal fusion menu. Chef Catchpole’s fresh culinary creations will be sold during the two days along with his hot sauces.
Indigenous and Ingenious is a celebration of who we are as Indigenous people. To put us in a celebratory mood,
special guests Kim Wheatley and her daughter Alexandria Bipatnath-Wheatley, Anishinawbe nation, will share their gifts of traditional song and dance throughout the day.
The show is organized by the founders of Indigenous & Ingenious, beadwork artist Naomi Smith, and jewellery artist and photographer Barb Nahwegahbow. Both are from the Anishnawbe nation.
“We are thrilled to present the very best of who we are as First Nations people, as Indigenous artists to the Toronto community,” said Barb Nahwegahbow.
Participating Artists
J’net AyAy Qwa Yak Sheelth, textile artist and weaver www.wildwear.blogspot.com
Theresa Burning, beadwork and leatherwork artist
Chef Charles Catchpole, CharGer Foods www.facebook.com/chargerfoods
Ryan Hill, Soapstone Carver https://www.facebook.com/rockstudio1
Clayton King, White Bear Art www.whitebearart.com
Barb Nahwegahbow, Blue Dawn Jewellery www.bluedawnjewellery.com
Corey Nielsen, stained glass, recycled woolens and beadwork artist
Jay Bell Redbird, visual artist www.jaybellredbird.com
Joseph Sagaj, visual artist
Naomi Smith, Black Tulip Designs www.facebook.com/Black-Tulip-Designs-
Louise Solomon, Hand of Solomon www.handofsolomon.ca
Jay Soule, Chippewar www.chippewar.com
Frank Wassegijig, leatherwork and beadwork artist
Traditional Singers/Dancers
Mother-daughter duo Kim Wheatley & Alexandria Bipatnath-Wheatley are Anishinawbe Traditional Dancers from Shawanaga First Nation. Kim is a long time handdrummer/singer who has supported her daughter Alexandria as a Fancy Shawl dancer since she started walking. They are committed to honouring and sharing the Anishinawbe Traditional gifts of song and dance.
Community media partners: Metroland Media and Muskrat Magazine.