“In partnership with Artscape and Lakeview Centre I am honoured to be one of the Artists in Residence for 2023. My warmest gratitude to Artscape and Lakeview for their support. During my residency I will be offering two in-person workshops at Lakeview Centre and one virtual workshop.”

The Wiigwaas (Birch Bark) series combines traditional Indigenous ways of knowing along with a creative experience that will provide practical knowledge along with an artist interpretation of working with natural materials. 

In the first workshop participants will paint and create a basket based on an ages old design. While paper and other natural materials will be utilized, this knowledge can be used in real life. The workshop will focus on working with water colour paints to create a still life composition along with basket making skills. Participants do not require any prior arts skills. Comfort with hand sewing would be an asset. Natural materials such as animal hide and Sweetgrass will also be used. Sweetgrass is one of the four medicines that woodlands Indigenous people use. This plant has a distinct vanilla essence and those who are scent sensitive may want to consider this when signing up for this workshop. 

In the second workshop participants will create a contemporary birch bark pin. Seed beads along with other natural materials such as sweet grass will be utilized. Sweetgrass is one of the four medicines that woodlands Indigenous people use. This plant has a distinct vanilla essence and those who are scent sensitive or have allergies to trees and their bark may want to consider this when signing up for this workshop. The workshop will focus on working with seed beads and birch bark to create a wearable one of a kind art piece. Participants do not require any prior skills, however comfort with hand sewing and working with seed beads would be an asset.

Traditional knowledge and teachings will be part of the learning experience as we celebrate the gift of Wiigwaas (birch bark). Chi miigwetch.