SHARING STORIES, 2016

They always say to write about what you know. So I’ll start with place, I’ll start with family, and I’ll start with art. It’s hard sometimes, when you set out to create, to know where exactly to start. Art is a pursuit of recognizing emotion or experience, and then turning that into something tangible. When you walk through this show, you see emotions and a very honest story being told. You see raw inspiration being drawn from family and land, and then translated into fine craft. Art and craft are uniquely positioned to express stories because of their ability to communicate multiple messages in one image, object, or representation.

The exhibition, Sharing Stories, showcases a variety of works from 16 Indigenous artists of Mi’kma’q and Wolastoqew (Maliseet) descent. Talents range from clay sculpture, to quill work, to painting and beadwork. Many of these artists reference bringing their own contemporary eyes to traditional crafts and lived experiences, while the respect and integrity towards heritage are also evident in these thoughtful works. This is a dynamic show for these reasons. The common thread is so strong that we can all feel it.

These pieces, brought together, help create an intimate space that feels as if you’re in someone’s home, listening to their stories. You are brought to a familiar place, surrounded by family, looking at art – sharing stories.

– Aidan Stanley, Curator