Tuesday, October 8, 2024
October 8, 2024

Resurgence represents landmark art exhibition

SUBMITTED BY SALT SPRING PUBLIC LIBRARY

On Sept. 6 the Salt Spring Island Public Library celebrated the opening of Resurgence, an Indigenous art show. The show is comprised of work by 14 Indigenous artists aged 14 to 71, who are residents of Salt Spring Island and from First Nations across Turtle Island.

Organized and curated by library Indigenous coordinator Caroline Dick, Resurgence is a reflection of the joy of creating an Indigenous community on Salt Spring while living in diaspora.

“This is the first time I’ve been represented in an art show, and I’m thrilled and honoured to be part of this show with so many talented members of our Indigenous community here on the island,” said Christine Welsh, Métis artist and award-winning filmmaker. “I didn’t grow up with beading. Though my Métis grandmothers were skilled beadworkers, that tradition wasn’t handed down in my family. I only learned to do traditional Métis floral beadwork quite recently, during the Covid-19 pandemic, and I now create beaded pieces for my family, like the beaded jean jacket that I made for my daughter-in-law Jessica that’s in the show. I still have so much to learn, but I like to think that in my own small way I’m honouring those ancestor grandmothers.”

Resurgence is a show that is unprecedented on Salt Spring. This is the first exhibition focusing solely on Indigenous residents of the island, as well as the only time Salt Spring has had so many Indigenous artists showing their work in a single exhibition. The show includes sculpture, paintings, prints, textiles and jewellery, with many pieces for sale.

Resurgence runs until Sept. 28 and is viewable from Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the main display case in the lobby as well as in the program room when it is not in use for events.

Artists represented in Resurgence: Caroline Dick (Tahltan), Autumn Elworthy (Anishinaabe/Métis), Willow Elworthy (Anishinaabe/Métis), Marilyn Fortinakis (Anishinaabe), Krysta Furiosa (Anishinaabe), Sheena Gering (Métis), Quentin Harris (Secwepemc), Kitaay Bizhikikwe/Amanda Myers (Anishinaabe), Klaahiidaa/Greg Dennis Sr., Charlene Linnell (Musqueam), Eartha Linnell (Musqueam), Laura Mulks-Elworthy (Anishinaabe/Métis), Christine Welsh (Métis) and Sherry Leigh Williams (Métis).

Sign up for our newsletter and stay informed

Receive news headlines every week with our free email newsletter.

Other stories you might like

Library opens Indigenous Learning Area

Salt Spring’s public library now has an area dedicated specifically for Indigenous learning, filled with beautiful artworks, furniture and books created by Indigenous artists...

Women’s History Month event on tap

October is Canadian Women’s History Month and this year it’s being celebrated on Salt Spring Island with a fun and inspiring event. Women’s history is...

Salt Spring library hops on Fridays

When your children are grown up or you don’t have grandchildren or neighbours with kids, it’s easy to get out of the loop about...

Hackergal virtual girls coding club offered through library

Girls aged 12 to 18 are invited to participate in a virtual girls coding club led by Hackergal ambassador Jessica Young. Sessions organized by the...

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here