Because of the heavy rain this morning, I was not expecting much of a turnout for today's walk, and I decided to go it alone if no-one showed up. Much to my pleasure, Linda and Susan both arrived ready to attend the
Aboriginal Art Show at the Vancouver Convention Centre in the Pan Pacific Hotel located on Burrard Harbour.
What: Aboriginal Art ExhibitionWhen: Saturday, October 17 from 9 am to 8 pm, and Sunday, October 18 from 9 am to 6 pmWhere: Vancouver Convention Centre, Hall A, located at 999 Canada Place, Vancouver Admission is freehttp://www.fourhostfirstnations.com/At 10:45 we caught the #20 Downtown bus in light rain and walked the six blocks to the hotel, by which time the rain had almost stopped. In the convention centre hallway was a table advertising the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors as part of the Vancouver Health Show which was set up in the largest of the convention rooms. We by-passed this event in search of the art show.
The art venue was set up in rows with individual booths showcasing basket weaving, paintings, carvings, bead and silver jewellery, leather work and dream catchers. Unusually captivating needlework hangings were on display, showing Shirley Morrhouse's interpretation of the Northern Lights in ever-magnified images, delicately hand stitched in finest detail with tiny beads, fabric and silver forms appliqued into the images. These fine tapestries measured two feet square and sold for $4,000. Her major benefactor is the Federal Government's Ottawa museum, adding to its collection of Aboriginal artifacts.
We took a break at the canteen which sold hot beverages, soup, biscuits and pastries. On stage, a singer accompanied by his own and his partner's 12-string Gibson guitars.
My favourite pastime was talking with the artists about their work and their inspiration. One artist came from Winnipeg, one from the Yukon, others from Ontario for this event. Vancouver's own Roy Henry Vickers had a booth with his latest works framed in various sizes, mostly digitally mastered works. Other artists' works were done in acrylic, ink, pencil crayon, and digital imagery; originals as well as prints of their pieces were for sale. A few artists sold framed photographic art and greeting cards of their images.
Aboriginal art represents the history, legends and mythology of the people, handed down in "songs and oral narratives of epic journeys and adventures." To the Haida people, music and mythology are intrinsically connected." Many other tribal nations were represented at this show - Meti, Cree, Tlingit, Nuu-chah-nuth, Inuit, Lil-Wat and Squamish Nations.
We walked back to the Waterfront Station to catch the Skytrain to Broadway & Commercial. Susan continued on the Millennium Line to meet a friend while Linda and I boarded the #20 bus up to Britannia Centre.
Contributor Virginia
