Uplands exhibition brings together local and Aboriginal artists
The gallery at Uplands Cultural and Heritage Center held a vernissage yesterday for a joint exhibition of six Aboriginal and local artists.
The exhibition wraps up the series of activities presented as part of Uplands’ Canada 150 project, "From Nikitotegwasis to Lennoxville", discovering the richness of Aboriginal history, culture and arts.
While it is the last event that was part of the project, Uplands Director Nancy Robert said the end of the "From Nikitotegwasis to Lennoxville" project feels more like a beginning.
“This project made us realize we want this to be part of the story we continue to tell,” Robert said. “We tell the story of the house we live in, but we are missing the introduction,” she said, explaining that being on unceded Abenaki territory is important for the cultural institution to recognize.
The goal of the project was to explore the history of Aboriginal culture in the area, and also engage with the contemporary community.
The current exhibition is collaboration between local and Aboriginal artists.
“I’m really honoured to be here,” said Abenaki artist Joyce Panadis.
When asked about the subject of her work, Panadis said it depends entirely on what she wants to talk about, but added that incorporating her First Nation heritage is an important aspect.
“It’s important for me to do that,” Panadis said, wanting to create a bridge between her heritage and her artwork, “and not just for me; for all First Nations,” she said.
Ena Greyeyes is a Plains Cree artist living here in the Townships.
“This is the first time we’re being honoured and acknowledged for our presence,” Greyeyes said, regarding the Uplands project.
“We’re now emerging, we’re being given a voice,” she commented. Being part of a group exhibition, Greyeyes looked at the experience as an opportunity to learn from the other artists.
“I learned how much more alike we are than different,” she said.
Local Potter Lucy Doheny applauded Upland’s decision to celebrate Canada’s 150 by exploring Aboriginal cultures, and was happy to participate in the exhibition. “Since we are on Abenaki land, I decided to do animals that are in my back yard,” she said, “the things that surround us.”
“I had no idea how well it would fit in,” Doheny said.
The exhibit, which features everything from wood carving and sculpture, to pottery, to papier maché, to hyperrealist drawings, will run at the gallery until December 17, 2017.
The other artists included in the exhibit and sale include locals Caroline George and Debbie Everett and Huron/abenaki artist Christine Sioui Wawanoloath.
Uplands is open Wednesday through Sunday from 1 p.m. till 4:30 p.m.