Neebing Indigenous Art Fair Opening Reception at Bingemans

Yesterday I was invited to attend the opening reception for the Neebing Indigenous Art Fair at Bingemans in the Embassy Room and I wanted to share my experience and how moving it was.

Bingemans is proud to host the Neebing Indigenous Art Fair for a second year! 

Neebing, meaning by the river, was designed to provide Indigenous artists with a platform to share their stories and talents with the community.  

This event is a collaboration of Indigenous artists whose works celebrate the Grand River and our local Indigenous landscape.

Featured artists include: 

Patrick Paul, Jared Tait, Thomas Sinclair, Autumn Smith, Bree Island, and Chief Ladybird.

I met three of the six artists displaying their pieces and each of them took the time to explain the story behind their paintings and how it connects to their life.

Mishiikenh Kwe (Autumn Smith)

Mishiikenh Kwe (Autumn Smith) was in a dual role of both artist and organizer of the Neebing Indigenous Art Fair.  She explained that she is a member of the Caribou Clan and had family members of other Clans as well that are depicted in the painting. She took inspiration from her Grandmother's stories of her animal helpers and how the spirit of Turtle Island is connected to her Ancestors through the Milky Way.

Thomas Sinclair

Thomas Sinclair took me on a tour of his paintings. While explaining the shapes and themes and how they connected to his life, we also discussed life as an Indigenous artist, knowing your worth and how this sector of art is evolving.  We also spoke about the healing process and connection that this art show is creating and it was an emotional experience for both of us.

Patrick Paul

Patrick Paul spoke of his experience exploring nature and how it connects to the Thunderbird, The emotions of those moments are displayed in his pieces of Woodlands art. Patrick traveled from Manitoba to be part of the Neebing Indigenous Art Fair.

Neebing Indigenous Art Fair Info

Get Tickets to the Neebing Indigenous Art Fair

Now is time to grab your tickets at https://www.indigenouswr.ca/admissions

The Neebing Indigenous Art Fair is running from July 7-16, 2023 at The Embassy Room at Bingemans. There will be various EVENTS during the art show including Live Dancing, Live Painting and a Food Tasting night with KW's Chef Destiny Moser of FoodZen/Cedar Spoon. (Please note the Tasting Event is a separate ticketed event). You can see the full list of events at https://www.indigenouswr.ca/scheduleofevents

More Boredom Busters - Book Review

Making The Most Of March Break

Caroline Fernandez has created a follow up to her Boredom Busters book.  2015 brings More Boredom Busters to the bookshelves with over 50 activities for kids age 7 and up! With March Break this week, the timing is perfect!

What You Will Like About It

Many of the activities in the book use items that can be found in most households. From empty yogurt containers to toilet paper rolls your family will be able to upcycle many of the items that would end up in your recycle bin.  For the extra crafting items you need for the activity, I would guess you could find a lot of things your need at the local dollar store. 

Also the book is set up by season so it can be used as a learning tool to teach about special occasions. Think of all the artistic "Make Ahead" gifts you could be making too!

Here is an example of a spring art craft to make for Mother's Day.



Plus the you don't have to worry about bookmarking all the pages.  The index in the back is designed to be very helpful to see a quick list of what project you might be interested in creating.

What Will You Make?

Do you have some creative "makers" in your home? Or perhaps you are looking to let your inner "crafter" out. Let us know in the comments what you like to craft at home.  Need some inspiration? For ideas we suggest heading out to grab More Boredom Busters! Perhaps you can get it when you head to the Chapters Waterloo March Break events this week!