‘It’s kind of a dream’
Mi’kmaw artist Alan Syliboy opens studio in Millbrook
MILLBROOK – A local Mi’kmaw artist took a big step forward in his career on June 1 when he opened the doors of his new studio to the public.
“It’s kind of a dream,” said Alan Syliboy, who is wellknown for his Mi’kmaw-inspired artwork (including his Daily Drum paintings that he frequently posts to Facebook), as well leading his own band, Alan Syliboy and the Thundermakers.
“I never really thought this was going to happen but, over time, everything came together and, finally, here we are," said Alan, standing amongst the painted drums and portraits depicting Mi’kmaw legends.
“It’s hard to get your own studio, so I’m quite happy about this.”
Dozens of guests waited patiently for the doors to open at 1 p.m., revealing a showroom of artwork, merchandise, albums, and prints for sale.
In the back room of the studio, even more artwork coats the walls. A bass, coupled with some amps and other music gear, decorated the left side wall.
Also in the back room was a sitting area, where several guests took a breather on the couches, flicking through a collection of Syliboy’s prints.
When asked what benefits the studio offers him, Syliboy replied as most independent artists would.
“You don’t need galleries as much,” said Syliboy. “You’re meeting the public directly. I have galleries that I show in, but this … my goal was to have a workspace, as well as a retail outlet, which this is."
But to Alan, it's more than having a place to create and sell his work - it's also an opportunity to further share his culture.
“In the native community, this is a big step, especially for artists. And that’s what we do. We do music, we do dance … we’re bringing the culture forward, and that’s a big step.”
Alan’s nephew Joseph Syliboy believes it’s a big step forward for Alan, as well.
“It’s a surreal moment, seeing where he has come from,” said Joseph. “He had his basement as his studio, and just starting very small scale to seeing all the things he’s done throughout the years.”
“It’s nice to see somebody that can be rooted in their culture and the arts, do something different, and make a name for themselves.”
Alan has certainly made a name for himself over his tenure as an artist. In 2010, he had the chance to present a portrait of Grand Chief Membertou to Queen Elizabeth II. This was followed by the opportunity to paint a mural for the Vancouver Olympics, titled “People of the Dawn.”
More recently, Syliboy finished murals at the Kings County Museum in 2021 and has also painted two murals in Nova Scotia high schools: one in Upper Tantallon, and another in Windsor.
It was announced in March 2023 that Syliboy had been selected as one of 25 artists – and one of five Maritime artists - on the nominations list for the Sobey Art Award, one of the most prestigious recognitions for visual arts in the country. A shortlist of those artists is expected in June 2023.
‘INSPIRING AND BEAUTIFUL’
Musician Lucas Pearse, who plays in the Thundermakers alongside Alan, voiced his excitement about seeing his fellow artist and friend open his own studio space.
“It’s just a major accomplishment for any visual artist to get to the point where they have (enough of) an audience that they can be selling stuff out of a storefront,” said Pearse.
“That’s astounding in its own right, but being able to do that here in Millbrook and be able to do that as an artist who works in different mediums, and have stuff that people can go and buy, but also shows that people can go experience … it’s amazing.”
Pearse referenced a video projector he had running in the concert hall next door to the studio, showing around a thousand images of Alan’s work from over the years. Pearse said those images have been just a drop in the bucket of what Alan has accomplished.
“He has painted so much art. It’s really incredible. Most of it is out there in the world, giving people an idea of Mi’kmaw culture and it’s just amazing that it’s something that really wasn’t there before he did it.
“He’s created this whole world of visual art that is coming from him and his experience, and the fact that it is all so connected is very inspiring and beautiful.”
Alan Syliboy Art Studio is located at 42 Legends Ave. in Millbrook. The studio is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. Appointments can be made with Alan by contacting him at alan@ redcrane.ca.