By Steve Hubrecht
The recent Ktunaxa Artisan Showcase and Market held at Pynelogs Arts and Cultural Centre was a success, featuring and celebrating Indigenous art, crafts, culture, dance performance, and even cuisine.
The event was a joint effort by the ?akisq’nuk First Nation and Columbia Valley Arts. Several dozen attendees came out on opening night on Friday, Oct. 4, filling Pynelogs. The show continued the next day on Saturday, Oct. 5.
Opening night had a celebratory, festive atmosphere, with artists and creators explaining their works to attendees.
“It’s a first for the ?akisq’nuk First Nation,” said curator Lillian Rose, adding that the goal of the showcase was to have people celebrate with Ktunaxa, but also to hopefully gain more understanding of their arts, history, culture, language, and struggles.
The sheer diversity of art forms on display at the showcase highlighted “the tremendous breadth of Ktunaxa artists,” noted Rose.
Creators and artists at the showcase included fashion designer and powwow dancer Barbara Fisher, contemporary dancer and choreographer Samantha Sutherland, photographer Blaine Burgoyne, beader and muralist Darcy Luke Roshau, jewelry artist Caroline Basil, artist Robin Louie, muralist Carol Louie, artist Leona Daniels, and artist Erin Gravelle, among many others.
Rose liked how the showcase had many artists on hand to talk to the public, allowing the artists to express their inspirations and expand on the meaning of each work of art.
“I’m really happy for the people coming here,” said Rose.
PHOTO STEVE HUBRECHT
PHOTO STEVE HUBRECHT
PHOTO STEVE HUBRECHT
