By Ian Gustafson

Summer show in P.A. features Indigenous artwork

Jun 19, 2021 | 1:45 PM

An abundance of local Indigenous artwork is on full display at the Summer Solstice Art Show at the Cumberland Crossing Inn in Prince Albert.

The free event is running until tonight at 8 p.m. and will open to the public once again on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Organizer Kimberly Roblin told paNOW the COVID-19 pandemic has made for a long stretch of not getting out and showing off their artwork. She added with restrictions now loosening, this show was a good way to get back out there.

“We organized this just to show off local artists,” she said. “Everything is hand crafted, handmade. We wanted to keep everything Indigenous with the summer solstice coming up so that was the whole point of doing this.”

Most of the artwork is local with a few from the surrounding area and one artist travelling from out of province.

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“I invite the public to come and admire all the work… it’s not really about buying but we do appreciate when you do buy the local artists’ work but we’re eager to show it off and let people know that even though COVID shut us down for events as artists we’re always working,” she said.

Earl McKay, a local painter, was at the event showcasing his wildlife artwork. He said when he first started painting, he got into the traditional style of work, which most of his Indigenous peers were doing. But he wanted to get away from that.

“I turned to wildlife and that’s what I’m doing right now. It’s over 30 years now I’ve been painting wildlife,” McKay said.

All of the artwork displayed in the show is Indigenous. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW staff)

Some of his paintings are of wolves, eagles, and ermines to name a few.

Wayne Longjohn from Sturgeon Lake was also one of many artists at the event showcasing his work. He said this is the first time he has displayed his work at a show. He explained he wanted to show off his paintings and sketches because he doesn’t work anymore due to COVID-19.

“I have a lot of time for painting,” he said.

He’s been painting and drawing his whole life and his work is a display of Indigenous culture, which features feathers, bear paws, buffalo skulls, teepees and horses. Depending on what he’s working on some pieces take around four to five months to complete.

This artwork is done by Wayne Longjohn, which is displayed in the art show at the Cumberland Crossing Inn in Prince Albert. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW staff)

“I’ve never showed off my work before, there’s a few online,” he said. “I just wanted to come here and see what the other people have. I wanted to be here. It’s pretty awesome I think.”

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Ian.Gustafson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @IanGustafson12