Northern artists get chance to shine

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Rob Jerome, a La Ronge artist who carves intricate scenes into antlers, was one of two local artists to have their work selected for inclusion in a province-wide art show co-ordinated each fall by the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils (OSAC).

Jerome was among a group of 22 artists who recently took part in a regional art show held in La Ronge, which gave participants a chance not only to show off their work, but also to have their creations adjudicated.

Robin Brass, a post-secondary art history teacher in La Ronge, and Sherry Farrell Racette, an Aboriginal illustrator and artist living in Regina, had the daunting task of choosing two pieces of artwork from among those on display at the regional show.

"We wished we could have picked one from each artist to tour the North," Brass said. "Every artist had at least one that was ready to exhibit."

Jerome's work, along with a painting by Pinehouse's Jean Montgomery, the other artist whose work was selected, will join works by Saskatchewan artists from other regions. The collection will tour the province for two years.

With each artist who entered the regional show submitting a series of works, Brass and Racette spent at least five solid hours going from piece to piece, looking at the skillfulness of the artist and the uniqueness of the piece.

There certainly were a variety of pieces to look at, everything from paintings and photography to beadwork and wood- and antler-carving. One artist, Adam Daigneault, even submitted his own traditional dance powwow regalia and shaker that he had made.

Brass would like to see an art show that tours the North, and her wish was echoed at the show.

"It seemed to be a common thing said, that there needs to be more ways to exhibit art work in the North."