The Point Artist-Run Centre is excited and honoured to showcase the works of Indigenous artists and artisans from across the Salish territories. “We put out the call for artists in early April,” says Stephen Vogler, Artistic Director at The Point, “and were really pleased to get interest from Lil’wat [Lílwat7úl] and Squamish [Skwxwú7mesh] artists as well as Musqueam [xʷməθkʷəyəm] and Hulqimelem [Hul’qumi’num] on Vancouver Island.”
The art forms to be featured in the show are as diverse as the artists’ backgrounds. Lílwat7úl Elder, crafter and storyteller Saopalaz (Lucille Joseph) will showcase an inner cedar bark weaving with freshwater pearls, turquoise and trade beads. Celebrated xʷməθkʷəyəm artist Chrystal Sparrow will showcase an original painting, a large print and a large cedar sculpture with acrylics and abalone. Lílwat7úl artist and crafter Geneva Wallace will have her cowboy hats, caps and ladies fashion hats on display incorporating coloured fabrics and intricate beadwork. Brent Wallace, also Lílwat7úl, will showcase his acrylic on canvas paintings. From farthest afield, Hul’qumi’num artist Trevor Fraser from Vancouver Island, with bloodlines in both the Skwxwú7mesh and Snuneymuxw (Nanaimo) territories, will showcase his unique acrylic paintings influenced by his Skwxwú7mesh uncles’ carving traditions as well as other contemporary influences.
Along with the two- and three-dimensional art works, the opening reception on Friday, June 23 from 5-7PM will feature a music performance by Lílwat7úl musician Archie Peters, complimentary appetizers and a cash bar with a variety of refreshments.
An important part of the process for the show, Vogler says, has been connecting with and developing relationships with these indigenous artists on whose lands we live and create. “We’re all artists [involved at The Point] and it’s so important to reach across communities and cultures and establish meaningful connections,” he adds.
The Indigenous Artisan Showcase will run from June 23 to July 30 at The Point Artist-Run Centre (5678 Alta Lake Road), open for viewing and sales on Saturdays, 12-4PM and Sundays, 2-6PM starting July 1. Special viewings can also be arranged by emailing thepointinfo@gmail.com or calling 604 698-5482.