Indigenous Arts Market at AGA highlights culture and community
Artists and visitors came together at the Art Gallery Of Alberta’s Indigenous Arts Market to share stories, beadwork and pyrography.
Floral beadwork created by Jocelyn of Willow Rose Beads, shown at the Indigenous Arts Market. Photo credit: Lyra Brown
Culture, community and creativity filled the Art Gallery of Alberta’s Indigenous Arts Market where artists connected with visitors through beadwork, pyrography and storytelling ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The market featured a range of traditional and contemporary works, from beadwork and pyrography to dreamcatchers and tufting. Artists said the event provided an opportunity to share their creations and connect with people through conversation and storytelling.
“My artwork is all very nature-based. I’m a bird lover, so that’s where I take my inspiration,” said Chanel Annable of Wildbird Designs, whose booth displayed pyrography pieces alongside dreamcatchers and crystal elements. “I just hope my work makes people feel something … even happiness when they stop by to look.”
Beadwork, for me, is medicine. It’s a way of healing and connecting to my family,”
For Jocelyn Lamothe of Willow Rose Beads, beadwork is both a creative expression and a cultural practice. “Beadwork, for me, is medicine. It’s a way of healing and connecting to my family,” she said, noting that roses in her designs honour her grandmother, while willows represent her late father. “I’ve learned so much about my family and my culture through this work.”
Visitors said the market allowed them to form connections that go beyond purchasing art. “It’s an opportunity to create community and actually meet the artists,” said Jaclyn Leus, who attended to support Indigenous artisans. “Knowing the story and the material behind each piece makes it more meaningful.”The market also featured traditional demonstrations and informal conversations, where visitors learned about the materials, techniques and personal stories behind the art on display.
As Edmonton marked Truth and Reconciliation Week, the AGA’s Indigenous Arts Market created space for artists to share their heritage and for audiences to engage directly with Indigenous voices through art.
