Traditional art exhibition to tour the province

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An exhibit of traditional Indigenous art created by some of Saskatchewan's most gifted artists is going on the road, giving people living outside of Regina and Saskatoon a chance to view the diverse collection of works.

Clearing A Path: An Exhibition of Traditional Indigenous Art opened in the First Nations University of Canada Gallery in Regina in mid-November 2005, then moved to the gallery at Wanuskewin Heritage Park near Saskatoon until the end of February. Now the exhibition is on the move again, scheduled to be shown in 24 locations across the province between now and 2008.

Clearing A Path is curated by artist and educator Sherry Farrell-Racette and art historian Carmen Robertson. The works of 19 artists are featured in the exhibition, with a wide range of art forms represented within the collection, including carving, quill work and bead work. All of the artists whose work is included in the exhibition have received traditional arts grants from the Saskatchewan Arts Board.

The title for the exhibition is a reference to a phrase used by northeastern First Nations in the 17th and 18th centuries, when paths were cleared through the woods to allow for travel between First Nation groups and Europeans. The exhibit serves to establish another kind of path, clearing the way for traditional artist to have their works seen and recognized for what they are-art created using traditional media and method.

The exhibition began its cross-province tour in April with a 12-day stay at the Last Mountain Lake Cultural Centre in Regina Beach. From May 1 to 23 the exhibit will be at the Canora Public Library, then from June 1 to 23 it will be hosted by the Hudson Bay Allied Arts Council in Hudson Bay.

From July 1 to 23 the exhibit is scheduled to be in Walburg, then will move to the Allen Sapp Gallery in North Battleford from Aug. 1 to 23. Stops in Outlook, La Ronge, Watrous, Assiniboia, Weyburn and Tisdale are also scheduled.

The exhibition is sponsored by the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils, the Saskatchewan Arts Board, Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 and the First Nations University of Canada.