Artists and musicians gather at Nbisiing
By Monique DuBray
NIPISSING FN – Dozens of local and visiting Anishinaabe artists gathered Feb. 23 to put their talents on display in the auditorium of Nbisiing Secondary School.
Librarian and organizer Glenna Beaucage was delighted with the first of what she hopes will be an annual event.
“I really want to promote our cultural artists and support our local artists, and get them exposure. We are just testing the waters this year, but hopefully it’s something we can continue doing in the future.
“It’s a great time to celebrate art and be together… and to eat and socialize, of course.”
Over 20 tables were set up around the gymnasium, featuring the work of a range of area artists, including Wikwemikong’s Leland Bell, Charlie Hebert from Dokis First Nation, and James Bay carver-painter Jack Smallboy.
Shirley Restoule from Nipissing First Nation had a booth set up selling dream catchers and community member Cheryl Beaucage was selling an assortment of beaded jewelry.
Work on display included oil and acrylic paintings, beadwork, regalia, and wood carvings. Most of the artists were local, but some had travelled from as far as Garden River and Wikwemikong to take part in the event.
Later in the day, Elder Dan Commanda of Nipissing welcomed visitors with a drum song. Afterwards, entertainers such as Marty Restoule of Dokis Bay, Brian Simon of Wikwemikong, and local singer Nathalie Restoule, all confidently took to the stage to perform a few songs while guests shopped and socialized.
Commanda, whose table featured his paintings and regalia, as well as partner Brenda Lee’s hide and bead crafts, was thrilled to see so many families coming out to the gathering.
“It’s a great experience for the young ones to come out and learn the confidence the older generations show while performing. We don’t have a regular avenue to get artists to come together and perform, so it’s important to have events like these. Artists are the ones who are going to make a difference in this world.”
The day also included a potluck dinner, and a draw for a pair of handmade moccasins to help raise money for Nipissing’s 25th annual pow-wow.
Dot Beaucage-Kennedy, an elder dedicated to supporting Nipissing events, was very proud to see her friends and family showing off their creative side.
“It’s very simple. We came out today because we are a family. We support each other in an Anishnaabe way. Grandfather teachings are a big part of how we live our life. Art is art, whether it’s a painting or a song.”