Distinctly, uniquely Indigenous works by eighteen talented artists, artisans and designers will be showcased and available for sale in Toronto at the 4th annual Indigenous & Ingenious: Show & Sale on November 17-18, 2018. Featured artists, diverse in their artistic expressions, both traditional and contemporary, all have a commitment to excellence, pride in their Indigenous heritage, and enthusiasm about sharing their culture through their art.
Several of the artists are renowned internationally. Many have exhibited their work in solo and group shows, or fashion shows, or had work commissioned by collectors and corporations. The show welcomes back some of the country’s top Indigenous artists including the acclaimed muralists and illustrators Chief Lady Bird and Aura, and well known multi-media artist Clayton Samuel Smith.
Joining them will be beadwork artists Denise Aquash, Theresa Burning and Tammy Enosse, who also makes beautiful leather creations; stained glass art and jewellery artist Summer Faith Garcia, Jackie Esquimaux-Hamlin & Brian Hamlin and their original hand made beeswax candles, Haudenosaunee artisan Susan Hill, beadwork artist Skye Paul, Anishinaabe painter Joseph Sagaj, artist and writer Brian Wright-McLeod, jewellery artist Barb Nahwegahbow, and cedar bark weaver and textile artist J’net AyAy Qwa Yak Sheelth.
There are also several wonderful artists participating in the show for the first time this year, including abstract artist Mel Bartel, contemporary beaded jewellery maker Donna Morrison Seary, Keitha Keeshig-Tobias, a contemporary Indigenous Artist specializing in Dipped Pen & Ink, and carver and blacksmith Wesley Havill.
Shandra Spears Bombay will share her gifts of traditional song and drumming on both Saturday and Sunday, at 12 noon, 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
Of course there will also be food! Gail King from Beausoleil First Nation will be cooking up Indigenous food that is usually found on the Pow Wow trail. Indian Tacos, Scone Dogs, Wild Rice are some of the items she’ll have available at the show.
If you’re hoping to get your holiday shopping early, or like me, simply love handmade-original jewellery and art, do not miss Indigenous & Ingenious! I have attended the show and sale for the last few years, and I always find something I like… not to mention something good to eat, too. The show is organized by Anishinaabe jewellery artist and photographer Barb Nahwegahbow, founder of Indigenous & Ingenious.
The show and sale runs November 17-18, 2018 from 11 am to 6 pm at the Ralph Thornton Centre, 2nd Floor. Admission is $5.00. Performances by Shandra Spears Bombay will take place at 12 noon, 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
