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
