Wiikwemkoong Art Gallery, on beautiful Manitoulin Island, has launched a new initiative called The Pillars Project. Launched earlier this summer, the project will see 25 concrete pillars in front of the local mall transformed with vibrant colour and elements of Woodland Art, a style of First Nations art firmly rooted in this region.

Currently, the backgrounds for all 25 pillars are in the process of being painted (see photos). Once this is done, artists from within the community will complete the pillars with designs that represent the clan system, the Seven Grandfather Teachings, and floral patterns.

The gallery invites members of the community, including emerging and established artists, to come out and contribute their talent to the project. Art Coordinator, Michael Cywink, says: “The community is seeing that through the gallery, the artists are bringing colour to life. Colour is therapy for the living spirit!”

Wiikwemkoong Art Gallery will soon be launching their website. In the meantime, check out their Facebook page, or contact them at (705) 859-2204.

Wiikwemkoong Art Gallery would like to thank the Ontario Arts Council for their support in “Bringing Colour to Life” in Wikwemikong.

– Cora-Rae Silk, Indigenous Community Arts Coordinator

Posted with permission from Wiikwemkoong Art Gallery