A Time to Celebrate
Story and photos by Emily Turner
Every once in a while, something happens in this city that provides an important reminder that we are not as small as we sometimes say we are. The arrival of Radical Stitch at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery offered one of those reminders. Radical Stitch is one of the largest collections of Indigenous beadworks that has ever been displayed in a gallery exhibition; the significance of Thunder Bay being included in its tour cannot be understated, as it reflects how our city has been recognized for its incredibly talented art community.
To celebrate Radical Stitch, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery has collaborated with local Indigenous artists to organize Aanikoobijiganag, the first-ever beading symposium in northern Ontario, from February 8 to 10. Aanikoobijiganag is an opportunity for Indigenous artists to come together to celebrate and strengthen their talent for traditional artistry. Over the course of three days, attendees will experience workshops that will cover the art of birchbark basketry, porcupine quillwork, fish skin tanning, caribou hair tufting, moose hide tanning, floral beadwork, and edge beading.
Each workshop is intended to expand and strengthen participants’ skill and understanding of beading. In addition to the ongoing workshops, there will be panels where artists and the co-curators of Radical Stitch share their expertise and experience with these artforms. While tickets sold out quite quickly, some of the scheduled events are open to the public and everyone is encouraged to attend, such as the opening and closing events and a hide tanning demonstration.
Beaders at work during the Bring Your Own Bead night at the gallery
“We’re really showcasing Thunder Bay and Fort William First Nation as a place of deep talent,” says gallery curator Penelope Smart. “Everyone thinks contemporary art happens elsewhere, but no, it’s happening here, and we have a lot to celebrate and share with others.” Some notable names in the field of Indigenous art who will be co-leading the event include Gail Bannon, Shelby Gagnon, Shannon Gustafson, Leanna Marshall, Kanina Terry, Delaney Keshena, Katie Longboat, and Jean Marshall, though many other acclaimed artists will be in attendance as well, such as Melissa Twance, who will be speaking at the opening event.
Marshall has been instrumental in the facilitation of Aanikoobijiganag, as she brings her knowledge and experience from many other bead symposiums. “What I love about [bead symposiums] is that they’re interactive. We get to hang out and skill-share,” she says. Marshall hopes Aanikoobijiganag will help people form new friendships, gain new knowledge they can pass down, and enjoy the opportunity to network and connect.
Also, make time to visit Radical Stitch before it departs to see what the buzz is all about.
Visit theag.ca for more information.
