Press Release DS Publicity Group/Public Relations, November 22, 2004 Celebrating
the Evolution of Indigenous Arts Monday, November 22nd, 2004 (Barrie, ON) – As the dark days of winter come upon us, the MacLaren Art Centre, in partnership with Indigenous Artists & Artisans of the Great Lakes Region, is bringing colour and song to Barrie, to last throughout the season. The Dancing through Time exhibition comes to this beautiful historic building from December 10th, 2004 to March 19th, 2005 and promises a wealth of talent including the visual arts, hands-on workshops, song and dancing performances featuring Great Lakes Region First Nation peoples. Join us as we celebrate the launch of the exhibit on Friday, December 10th with the first of a series of singing and dancing performances that will complement the art exhibition, open for viewing throughout the winter. The Dancing through Time exhibition is more than just an exhibit of works of aboriginal artists. Breaking through stereotypes about native art, it reflects the evolution of indigenous art and demonstrates the meaning of living arts. Twenty-one artists are featured in the exhibition including Bruno Henry, Zoey Wood-Solomon, Gary Miller, Maxine Noel, Leland Bell, Moses Beaver, Banakonda Bell and many more. This is a time to celebrate the diversity and talents of the indigenous artists of the Great Lakes Region, while embracing the heritage that makes them who they are. All are welcome to attend the exhibition’s launch, December 10th, featuring performances by H. Neil Monague and Santee Smith. H. Neil Monague, a traditional spokes person, and community worker, will be sharing songs that he received from the creator, hand-drum style. The evening will also feature a dance performance by Santee Smith. A Mohawk woman from Six Nations, Santee studied in Toronto for six years with the National Ballet School of Canada and holds an Honours Degree in Kinesiology from McMaster University. She brings both her classical training and her Indigenous heritage into a moving and authentic cultural experience. Santee’s work has taken her across North America and to such distant lands as Indonesia. She is quickly becoming a leader in the field of contemporary dance, making this a performance that should not be missed. In addition to the Dancing through Time exhibition there will be numerous opportunities to participate in hands-on workshops featuring dream catchers, friendship bracelets, shield making and drum making as well as to take in performances featuring Shane Anthony on February 5th, Ron Douglas and the Ahkwesahsne Women Singers on February 26, and on closing night March 19, 2005 we are pleased to present once again H. Neil Monague and DiggingRoots featuring ShoShona Kish and Raven Kanatakta. For more information on the schedule of workshops and performances, please contact Rachel McKenzie at (705) 717-5036 or the MacLaren Art Centre at (705) 721-9696. The opening night celebrations will be followed, the next day, by an indigenous arts and crafts sale where visitors will have an opportunity to meet the artists and purchase some of their smaller items. The sale is being held on Saturday, December 11, 2004 at the Barrie Native Friendship Centre (175 Bayfield Street, Barrie) from 9:00am – 8:00 pm. NB: Photos available upon request Media contact: |
