“This annual exhibition highlights a current theme of art-making practice in the field of community and social practice. For 2015, our focus is on two First Nations projects: The Granddaughters Mural and Northwest Coast Aboriginal Doors Project.

The Granddaughters Mural Exhibition
Mon Sep 28 – Fri Oct 2
Exhibition Hall

The Granddaughters Mural was created by artists Melanie Schambach, Chrystal Sparrow, Rachel George, Senaqwila Wyss, and Mutya Macatumpag, in consultation with three local indigenous Elders. The stories and images speak to the land and waters and complex history of the Stanley Park area. The mural project raises questions that are so important in this time of repairing relationships and environments. The Granddaughters Mural is a living project deeply immersed in the work of reconciliation that continues to generate conversation as we gather more voices and perspectives to create a soundscape that shares the many voices and layers of this cultural journey. Come and witness a groundbreaking project that is opening space for meaningful exchange.”

“Northwest Coast Aboriginal Doors Project
Exhibition: Mon Oct 5 – Sat Oct 10
Opening Celebration: Tues Oct 6, 7pm
Public Panel Presentation: Wed Oct 7, 7pm

A panel discussion on Aboriginal art for community development. The Northwest Coast Aboriginal Doors Project was a four-week intensive carving program offered in June 2015. Held concurrently at Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver and the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Aboriginal Art in Terrace, this program offered participants instruction and mentorship by established Aboriginal carving instructors. The project was initiated and developed by FPInnovations Aboriginal Program and Emily Carr University Aboriginal Office.

The University of British Columbia-Centre for Advanced Wood Processing, FPInnovations, Emily Carr University of Art and Design, and the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Aboriginal Art (NWCC) are working together to promote the design of traditional Northwest Coast art through a unique educational carving program. The participants had prior carving experience and the project focussed on producing carved western red and yellow cedar door panels. The mentorship included tool use and maintenance; form line and design; scale drawn design, and finishing techniques. The project embraced the culture and storytelling nature of traditional BC Aboriginal art as well as the promotion of Aboriginal coastal communities and their unique artistic talents.

Instructors/mentors:
Emily Carr University: Xwalacktun (Squamish/Kwakwaka’wakw)
Freda Diesing: Ken McNeil (Tahltan/Nisga’a/Tlingit)
Emily Carr University Carving Participants:
Chaz Mack (Nuxalk, Bella Coola)
Lyle Mack (Nuxalk, Bella Coola)
Edwin Neel (Kwakawaka’wakw/Ahoushat)
William Callaghan (Tlingit)
James Harry (Squamish/Kwakwaka’wakw)
Freda Diesing Carving Participants: Dean Heron (Kaska/Tlingit)
Latham Mack (Nuxalk, Bella Coola)
Dempsey Bob (Tahltan/Tlingit)
Jared Kan (Tlingit)
Arlene Ness (Gitxsan, Hazelton)”

For more info:
Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre
181 Roundhouse Mews (Corner of Davie & Pacific), Vancouver, BC
(604) 713-1800, info@roundhouse.ca

Posted with permission from Hanne Lene Dalgleish, Communications Coordinator
Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre