Impressive collection of top artists on show

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An exhibition of paintings and drawings by eight of Alberta's most important First Nations artists opened at Prairie Art Gallery in Grande Prairie on Sept. 6.

On loan from the collection of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts are pieces by Dale Auger, Bruno Canadien, Joane Cardinal-Schubert, Alex Janvier, George Littlechild, Frederick McDonald, Jane Ash Poitras and Heather Shillinglaw.

Prairie Gallery curator John Kerl said all the works are strong, visual pieces, communicating at more than one level to a broad audience. The artists, who have had formal art education, are drawing upon their Native heritage for inspiration.

"Traditional Native art was not the domain of anyone specific," said Kerl. "However, these artists are working in the Western tradition of art for art's sake. They have maintained their Native design while being part of a broader art scene."

"Color in Native art is different from color in the European art tradition. Their color use is intuitive. There are no restrictions on the use of color. It is rich, saturated, used unabashedly, combined with abandon," he said.

Kerl chose to show work by these artists so that young, up-and-coming artists could learn from them.

"These accomplished Native artists are significant role models," he said.

Included with the artwork are brief biographies and artist statements that offer a glimpse of the artists' life experience, education, work and philosophy.

"My colors are healing colors that come direct from the spirit world," reads the message from Dale Auger, a Sakaw Cree from the Bigstone Cree Nation in northern Alberta. "My hope is that these paintings can help you in your own spiritual healing journey."

Joane Cardinal-Schubert , a Blood born in Red Deer, is quoted "It is the least painful way to face each day-this artmaking..."

Accompanying two of his paintings are examples of George Littlechild's work as an award-winning author/illustrator of books for children.

A Plains Cree from Edmonton, Littlechild asserts that Native artists have so much to say and art is a way of talking about issues.

Frederick McDonald, a Woodland Cree from Fort McMurray, is concerned about the written history of his people.

"I think it is time that we should be telling our own story from our own perspective as Aboriginal people," his message reads.

"Indian art is beautiful. It makes the spirit shine and feeds our roots," reads the material from Alex Janvier, a Chipewyan Cree from Cold Lake First Nation.

The exhibit will be at the Prairie Art Gallery until Oct. 6.