An exhibition of the work of First Nations artists is timed to appear around National Aboriginal Day on Saturday.
The collection of artwork, weaving, painting, photography and fashion design, traditional and contemporary, will be on show at the Doris Crowston Gallery at the Arts Centre in Sechelt until July 6.
"This is the inaugural event," said the show's curator Dionne Paul, "so we left the theme wide open and easy."
Paul will display her woven cedar and copper wall hanging, as well as some of her paintings.
Local cedar bark weaver Jessica Casey will show her hand woven hats and baskets. Photographer Melissa Dixon, formerly of the Coast, now living in Vancouver, will show 10 photos, while Sechelt Indian Band councillor Jordan Louie will also show his photos. Candace Campo will have a large painting on display and Robert Burke of the Chippewa Nation in Ontario will show his colourful painted images.
Lynn Quinn is a fashion designer who sews her own costumes. Amanda Dixon, a Chatelech Secondary School student, will likely display a button blanket.
Proclaimed by the Governor General in 1996, National Aboriginal Day is celebrated every June 21 as a time to recognize the unique heritage, the diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. In co-operation with Aboriginal organizations, the date of June 21 was chosen because it is also the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. For generations, many Aboriginal peoples celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day.
The Arts Centre at 5714 Medusa St. in Sechelt is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
