Kooshkopayiw Art Exhibit Opens in Hamilton

The Kooshkopayiw Art Council has been making its way across the province on various art crawls, with its latest stop at the Hamilton Central Library on 55 York Boulevard. The exhibit runs from November 2, 2024, to January 31, 2025, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in a diverse array of artistic expressions.

This exhibit features artists from multiple disciplines, including intricate sculptures by George Simard, vibrant quilts by Roxanne Shank, and captivating paintings by Patti Belanger, among others. The variety showcases the richness and diversity of Métis artistry, providing a platform for both established and emerging talents.

Adding a special touch to the opening of the exhibit, international fashion designer and Métis Nation of Ontario Citizen Jason Baerg presented a one-day-only showcase of his stunning designs. His participation drew significant attention, blending contemporary fashion with cultural heritage.

During the event, Baerg spoke passionately about the challenges and triumphs of being a Métis artist in Canada. “Equity is important,” Baerg emphasized. “We’re 600,000 Métis people across these lands, 1 million First Nations, and 65,000 Inuit, and we have fought to secure reparations for Indian Residential Schools and Day Schools. We have fought for equity in the visual arts. We have fought for all rights of Indigenous Peoples and have been involved in all these movements.”

Baerg expressed his commitment to bridging the gap he observes in Métis art representation through his involvement with Kooshkopayiw. His vision aligns with the council's mission to promote and support Métis artists across the province.

Kooshkopayiw has successfully organized six art crawls in 2024 and plans to continue this momentum by hosting one art crawl each month throughout 2025, in various locations. This ambitious schedule aims to bring Métis art to a broader audience and foster greater appreciation and understanding of their cultural contributions.

Métis artists interested in participating in these art crawls are encouraged to reach out. For more information or to get involved, artists can email pattibelangerart@gmail.com.

This ongoing initiative by the Kooshkopayiw Art Council not only celebrates Métis artistry but also strengthens community connections, ensuring that Indigenous voices are heard and represented in the broader cultural landscape.