Calgary co-operative gives artists an edge

Page 13

Strength in numbers, creative diversity and a complementary presentation are the cornerstones that have given AB-Originals an edge in the highly competitive arts and crafts market in Calgary.

"What's good for the group is good for everybody," explained Ojibway artist Lee Hillman.

"The networking, shared contacts and opportunities to display and sell our work together, that's what the co-operative environment is all about, supporting our own members and watching each other's backs," said Hillman.

When it comes to dealing with the reality of the art market in western Canada, "more really is more" when it come to filling out a storefront for tourists, delivering large quantities of movie props or a large order of authentic Aboriginal "power gifts" for city hall. It's a wide variety of styles and approaches that have been successful for the eight Native and three non-Native artists in the group.

"When we first came up with the idea for a co-operative, we knew we needed a broad spectrum of talent, works that would show well together in a complimentary way, both cultural and traditional. If I had been faced with the prospect of filling a store all by myself, I would have had to say no, in terms of both quantity and variety," said Hillman.

"And as far as having several non-Native members, we jokingly like to call ourselves an equal opportunity employer, giving these artists a chance to show their work with us because it is highly complimentary to our own."

Offering both artwork and Native crafts, AB-Originals showcases the work of British Columbia silversmith Jeff McDougall, a Ququit from the West Coast, Metis knapper Jeff Coleclough, Ojibway artisan Kathleen Coleclough, Chippewan moccasin maker Georgina Roeler, Ojibway painter Nokomis, whose works reflects memories of her childhood north of Superior, Blackfoot Randy Alexander, who creates miniature artifacts for jewelry, Hilary Harper, a Plains Cree who weaves traditional willow baskets, Ojibway artisan Lee Hillman, Dale Kastelin, stone lamp maker, Spud Rees, who crafts barnboard picture frames for moosetuffting and calligraphy, and Karen Kristjannson, a porcelain doll maker who creates molds, faces and clothing based on portraits of real Native children.

"Karen used to be very frustrated when someone wanted a Native doll and all she could do was cast a white mold in Indian color. She decided to start from scratch and create new molds based on real Aboriginal faces, babies and children. She also researched clothing styles and detail in a very meticulous way. Her tiny newborn baby doll bundled in a hand beaded, smoked buckskin mossbag is very life like and beautifully finished," said Hillman.

Cultural authenticity and respect for tradition have also been the touchstones for a whole new kind of home shopping party experience called "Andaygd," Ojibway "for at your house," presented by AB-Originals members Hillman and Kathleen Coleclough, a concept that has really taken off and delivered more than a few surprises.

"We have been surprised by the demand for authentic Aboriginal art in and around Calgary and the fact that about 30 per cent of people attending our home party presentations have been men," said Hillman. "Over 20 per cent are first time buyers, stepping into the water for the first time, as well as confirmed collectors looking for a special piece such as a hand quilled leather bag. With prices ranging from $5 to $500 for individual pieces, there really is something for everyone at an "Andaygd." We explain the cultural significance and background flavor of the different pieces and our customers really seem to appreciate that.

Home party bookings usually go by word of mouth and there are bookings at every party for another party," said Hillman.

A significant cross section of work by the 11 members can be seen at Symon's Valley Ranch, a barbecue ranch near the Calgary City limits that caters to company parties, international tourists and private rodeo grounds.

Co-op embers have also been asked to do demos and workshops at the Glenbow Museum, teaching children to make dreamcatchers and hand painted Plains style shields.

"Part of the secret of our success as a co-operative is looking at our own individual opportunities and how they can apply to the rest of the group. It also comes from learning to walk in two worlds. AB-Originals, a catchy name thought up by Jeff Coleclough, stands for both Aboriginal and Alberta Originals. We can create and sell our work in the mainstream while remaining true to our own cultural heritage and Native roots," said Hillman.