Artist has nine works on display at Asum Mena

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"I guess going to Grant MacEwan really helped," laughs Brenda Jones. She has nine works of works of art accepted for inclusion in Asum Mena, the annual art exhibit and show sponsored by the Alberta Indian Arts and Crafts Society. "Two sculptures, five paintings and two drawings all went into the show," she says.

Last year, Jones only had one exhibit in Asum Mena, but it sold. That was all the encouragement she needed. "An unbiased buyer bought it, not a relative or friend," she adds.

Jones feels it's an exciting time to be involved with Native are.

"Any teachers I've ever had have always commented on how my art reflects the Native influence, a feel for the earth, for the revival of crafts," she explains. "We are a people of many colors." Although she works in various media, acrylics allow her the best expression of the color so necessary to her art.

Although she has only been serious about her artwork for three years, she already plans her future around it. "I'm going to concentrate on another year at Grant MacEwan and then hopefully try to get into a bachelor of fine arts program.

Jones plans on taking art history as well with an eye to possible employment as a curator of Native art shows and to promote Native art," she says. "It takes a person who understands the feelings and emotions behind it to display it successfully."

In the meantime there is a poster contest and a series of paintings for the Native New Horizons Treatment Center in Hamilton, Ontario to work on, in addition to her school work. She also enjoys creativity in her spare time with traditional and contemporary crafts, jewelry and baskets.

"My family is really supportive of all my projects," he says. "They know when I need time to myself, to lose myself in my work, whatever it might be at the moment."

Since she still lives at home, she's in close contact with her parents and sisters as well as a married brother and his wife. "They are so encouraging. They decorate their homes and offices to promote my work."

The young artist credits the annual Asum Mena festival with promoting Native art as well. "The Alberta Indian Arts and Crafts Society (AIACS) are helpful and supportive, keeping us in touch with contacts for our works. I would love to win the Asum Mena award, winning really promotes your work as an artist.

She feels the marketing workshops held by the society helped put her ahead of other artists who don't belong to the society. "It gave me confidence to know I was displaying my work attractively. Presentation is so important."

She learned framing preparing biographies from the society as well and urges artists just starting out to get in touch with the society to help them get going in the right direction. "I wouldn't be where I am without AIACS," she says.