Young artists gain recognition

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A new art gallery owned, operated and managed by a group of Aboriginal youth has opened on Whyte avenue, the hub of Edmonton's artistic expression.

Sun and Moon Visionaries art gallery and studio opened its doors to the public last April and have been receiving an excellent response.

"We've been receiving lots of support through word of mouth," said Jaret Sinclair-Gibson, president of the gallery co-operative. "There has been lots of goodness from supporters in helping us."

Since 1999 the six member co-operative and society has pursued the dream of opening up their own studio. The group of Sinclair-Gibson, Carmon Mulligan, Rita Bellerose, Kristain Dowhaniuk, Robyn Morley and Kevin Castor have pooled their artistic talents to make the gallery a success. To get started the artists took a business course and have received funding from Heritage Canada to get established.

"It took a lot of work, but we're here now," said Sinclair-Gibson. "We get lots of people stopping in and taking a look around. We are here on Whyte Ave., the creative arts district."

The vision of the artisans is to promote and encourage Aboriginal artistic expressions. The group offers spring, summer and fall art classes and workshops to Aboriginal youth. Their Aboriginal Expressions Summer Project began July 6 and will run to Aug. 24. The children get to work with a variety of art forms that include clay sculpting and making paint from all natural sources.

"This class is geared for the younger kids," said co-op member Mulligan. "We have 14 kids ranging from about six years old to 14 years old. I really love kids, and I discovered when we started the classes that I really enjoy teaching the kids art."

Sun and Moon will begin fall art classes for older youth and will also offer workshops to teach traditional dance, Native crafts and dance ragalia.

Brandi Jacques, 11, from Hobbema travels into Edmonton every Tuesday and Thursday to take the art classes.

"It's really fun to sculpt and paint. I really like painting with the water colors," said Jacques.

Bellerose believes it is essential for Native children to learn about their traditions through art, to help confirm their identity in society.

"Working with these kids and watching them create is really important," said Bellerose. "It gives them different avenues to pursue and is a stepping stone if they decide to pursue art in the future."

The colorful studio features works of traditional and contemporary designs in textiles, jewelry and fine arts to fill the demand for distinct Aboriginal art forms. The co-op also wants to encourage and invite other young Aboriginal artists to display their work in the studio by applying to the gallery.

Sun and Moon Visionaries plans to expand the studio and workshops within the province and across the nation to continue their mission of promoting Aboriginal artistic expression.