Newly acquired acrylic on canvas works by and Maxine Noel (Ioyan Mani).

“Art is the purest and truest expression of an individual … in it are all manners of things one is not always able to express verbally.”  Ioyan Mani

 

Just in: New acrylic on canvas works byJason Carter.

Painting for Jason is an exploration in color as inspired by Nanabozho, and through that exploration comes much humor and joy! “It's about making big bold color choices and blending these colors together. I love blending colors; merging them together so that the rabbit, or bison, or bear bounce off the canvas.

Join us this Saturday, May 15 from 1 - 4PM for the opening reception of "Half Breed Culture", new works by Aaron Paquette. 
We are alive, we breathe, we are made of earth's water, earth's soil, air, and of fire. We are wild, never doubt it. The earth itself is made of stardust and emptiness, of endless possibilities made physical. We are part of the whole spinning magnificence of creation.

2010 Spring Exhibitions
March 6 - 18, new works by Linus Woods
March 27 - April 8,new works by Alex Janvier
April 17 - 29, new works by Jane Ash Poitras
May15 - 27,new works by  Aaron Paquette

 

 

Join us Saturday, April 17 from 1 - 4PM for the opening reception of "Dream Blessings", an exhibition of new works by Internationally renowned artist Jane Ash Poitras.  Do not miss a brief talk at 2PM by Ms. Poitras on this new body of work and the importance of the "art of placement".

This weekend (April 17 & 18) is also Edmonton's Spring Gallery Walk.  The galleries will be open all day Saturday and from noon to 4PM on Sunday.

Join us Saturday March 27, 2010 for the opening reception of "I Love My Line, new works by Alex Janvier,  with the artist in attendance from 1 - 4 PM.

With a vast list of accomplishments which include the Order of Canada, National Aboriginal Lifetime Achievement Award and the Governor General Award, Alex Janvier is truly one of Canada’s great artists. 

Join us Saturday, March 6 from 1 - 4 PM for the opening reception of "Circles Back for Rabbit Track Soup", an exhibition of new works by Linus Woods.

“My recent work is influenced by my surroundings on the Long Plain Reserve in Manitoba. Because of climate change we are now seeing many animals that have never traveled our prairies. Local hunter, William Longclaws, told me that he recently saw a bear and that this will forever change the balance within the animal world.  The coyote will have his challenges.”

The Bearclaw Gallery was pleased to be the venue for Cola Cola to officially name Alaynee Goodwill as  one of the winners of the Olympic First Nations Art Competition.  Fifteen winners from across Canada have adorned the bottles with their artwork and these will be auctioned off during the Olympic Winter Games starting February 15, 2010.

Join us Saturday, December 5 from 1 - 4 PM for our annual Christmas Exhibition featuring new works by local artists Jane Ash Poitras, Heather Shillinglaw, Aaron Paquette and Jason Carter.

Also on exhibit works by gallery artists Linus Woods, Jim Logan, Alex Janvier and Daphne Odjig.  We also have a great selection of gifts in all price ranges  including Inuit Soapstone carving, Northwest Coast Jewellery, First Nations craft and more.
The exhibition continues through to the end of December.

The works are now up on our website for ``Collectors``, an exhibition of the pioneering artists of the First Nations art movement.  Included in the exhibition are ...

Norval Morrisseau,  Norval Morrisseau (Prints),  Alex Janvier,  Carl Beam,  Daphne Odjig,  Jackson Beardy,  Eddie Cobiness,  Bill Reid  and  Benjamin Chee Chee.

Collectors - Saturday, November 21 - December 3, 2009
Join us Saturday, November 21 from 1 - 4 PM for the opening reception of "Collectors", an exhibition of works from some of Canada's most renowned artist who pioneered the First Nations art movement.  Included in this exhibition are works spanning from the 1960's to present by Daphne Odjig, Jackson Beardy, Eddie Cobiness, Alex Janvier, Carl Beam, Norval Morrisseau, Carl Ray and others,  with special guest speaker Jane Ash Poitras discussing the importance of these exceptional artists.

 

Just in, newly acquired works by Jim Logan, Aaron Paquette and Meili, Dianne .

 

Join us Saturday October 17 for the opening reception of THE METIS, an exhibition of new works by Laird Goulet with the artist in attendance from 1- 4 PM.   This exhibition continues through to October 29, 2009.

Also, don't forget this Saturday and Sunday - October 17 and 18, is the Edmonton Gallery Walk.  Come join in the festive activities  and Shop the Walk.

 

2009 Fall Exhibition Schedule

November 21 - December 3, Collectors, a series of works by Eddie Cobiness, Jackson Beardy, Carl Beam, Alex Janvier, Daphne Odjig and others

October 3 - 15, New works by  Maxine Noel, with artist in attendance Saturday Oct. 3 from 1 - 4 PM.
October 17 - 29, New works by  Laird Goulet, with artist in attendance Saturday Oct. 17 from 1 - 4 PM.
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Come join us Saturday, October 3 for "The Time of Healing", an exhibiton of new works by Maxine Noel.  The artist will in attendance between 1PM and 4 PM.

With her experience in design, Maxine Noel uses a wide range of media including gouache, acrylic, etching, serigraphy, stone lithography and cast paper,.  Her use of fluid images, flowing lines and subtle colours represent the essential characteristics of the Indian people – their sensibilities, generosity and loving nature.  
 

Just in ... new mixed media works by Aaron Paquette.

 Aaron Paquette is an artist whose works tell a story.  His elegant figures and mystical images speak of the beauty of nature. 
"In each painting I try to include a story that is meaningful to me and encourages discussion.  I hope that my work can act as part of a catalyst for greater understanding.  I feel that it is important to allow art to be beautiful while conveying deep and sometimes very serious meaning.  My work almost always features an aspect of nature and our relationship with the earth."

The Bearclaw Gallery would like to welcome Nipshank, Glen and Meili, Dianne as our newest gallery artists.   

Glen Nipshank was born in  Alberta Canada. He studied art at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico and graduated from the institute in 1995. Glen was a painter before he began making contemporary pottery using traditional techniques. Glen's pottery explores new evolving sculptural forms. His work is in New York galleries and can be found in collections through out the world.

Dianne Meili creates sculpture and decorative bowls intended to make the beholder feel a connection between themselves, the Creator and all living things. Spending hours shaping and carving each piece, there is a true symbiosis between Dianne and her medium.

Our 2009 summer exhibition features gallery artists Jane Ash Poitras, Alex Janvier, Daphne Odjig, Linus Woods, Michael Robinson and Laird Goulet.

We also have a great selection of clayworks by Glen Nipshank and Dianne Meili, and a large selection of Inuit Soapstone Sculpture from Cape Dorset, Arviat, Kimmirut, Iqaluit, Inukjuak and many other arctic communities.

April 18 - 30, 2009:  The Map Makers, new works by Michael Robinson.  Join us for the opening reception April 18 with artist in attendance from 1 - 4 PM.  This exhibition centers around the Western Canadian Fur Trade. 

Michael's inspiration for his art is drawn from his spiritual beliefs. It is sometimes difficult to ascertain whether Michael Robinson's work and perception of life are pessimistic or hopeful, but he believes strongly in education. Making people aware of the world around them is the only hope for the future. He sees a need for a global balance. "It is important that we see the Earth as a living entity, only then can we understand where we fit in".

What's New ...
The Bearclaw Gallery would like to welcome Heather Shillinglaw as our latest gallery artist.  Heather's works are influenced by the medicinal healing properties of plant life found throughout North America. 

Just in new coloured pencil sketches by Daphne Odjig and 
new works byLinus Woods.

 New Arrivals - Inuit - Cape Dorset, Iqaluit and Kimmirut and Inuit - Arctic Quebec Soapstone Sculpture.  Canada's Arctic has been inhabited by humans for at least 4,000 years. The first people currently known to have produced a significant amount of figurative art belonged to the Dorset culture (1600 years ago). The contemporary period of Inuit art began in the late 1940s. When the federal government recognized the potential economic benefit to the Inuit, it actively encouraged the development and promotion of Inuit sculpture. Today Inuit Sculpture is recognized globally and is considered one of Canada's most dynamic art forms.

New Northwest Coast Masks and Artifacts.  New works by Ken Anderson, Emil Thibert, Darcy Day and others.

The dynamic imagery of the Northwest Coast People, expressed in a style as rhythmic and flowing as it so complex, has created one of the world's most remarkable art traditions.  It is an art with vitality and profound meaning for those of its culture.

The gallery has a large selection of Inuit Soapstone Carvings including sculpture from Arctic Quebec.  See our latest acquistions of Inuit Art Sculpture Arctic Quebec.

The sculpture of Arctic Quebec (Nouveau-Quebec; Nunavik) tends to be naturalistic, and is often narrative in nature. Animals and realistic hunting scenes, as well as legends and stories, are favoured subjects.
The works of Nunavik artist reflect a keen sense of observation that the Inuit had to develop in order to adapt to an enviroment we tend to consider as wild and inhospitable.  The carvings most appreciated by Nunavik Inuit are realistic ones because they are "true to life".

On behalf of all the staff of the Bearclaw Gallery we would like to wish you all a very Happy Holiday Season!

 

 

Celebrating the Season ...

The Bearclaw Gallery would like to invite you to join us November 29 from 1 - 4PM for the opening reception of our four person exhibition featuring new works by Alex Janvier,Jane Ash Poitras,Aaron Paquette
and John Rombough.  The exhibition continues through to December 13, 2008.

2008 Fall Exhibition Schedule:

September 27 - October 9 - "Drawing on Memories", an exhibition of colour pencil and mixed media works by Daphne Odjig.
October 18 to 30 - New mixed media works by Linus Woods.

November 29 to December 10 - Celebrating the Season, an exhibition including artists Alex Janvier, Jane Ash Poitras, John Rombough and Aaron Paquette.  Opening reception Saturday, November 29 with the artists in attendance from 1 - 4 PM.

An exhibition of New Works by Linus Woods, October 18 - 30, 2008.
Come join us October 18 from 2-4 PM for the opening reception of this exhibition of new mixed media works by Linus Woods. 
This weekend is our Gallery Walk weekend.  We will also be opened Sunday from noon to 4 PM.

 The Bearclaw Gallery is please to present "Drawing on Memories", an exhibition of Colour Pencil and Mixed Media works by Daphne Odjig.  The drawings in this exhibition were completed within the last decade.  These smaller works draw on a lifetime of imagery.  From Daphne's well known family series to the more ethereal spiritual works, these drawings reflect an intensity that you come to expect from one of Canada's most accomplished artists.

Please join us on Saturday, September 27 from 2-4 PM for the opening reception.

Please note:  The works for this exhibition are available for purchase at that time.

The Bearclaw Gallery would like to welcome John Rombough as one of our gallery artists.

John Rombough is a Chipewayan Dene artist, born in the remote community of Sioux Lookout in Northern Ontario. John’s painting style reflects the harmony of the Dene peoples and the natural world. His distinctive modern aboriginal designs also encompass his own personal visions and strong connection with nature.

Newly Acquired Roy Thomas paintings.

One of the country’s most influential aboriginal artists, Roy Thomas was known for his distinctive paintings of vibrantly coloured totemic animals.

Thomas was renowned for his work as a painter in the Ojibwa woodland style, which uses symbolism and imagery inspired by aboriginal legends and pictographs. Along with artists like Norval Morrisseau, he was at the forefront when aboriginal art broke into the mainstream in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Just arrived ... New Daphne Odjig Coloured Pencil Drawings. 
The National Gallery of Canada has assembled a retrospective exhibition of Daphne Odjig’s original artwork.  The exhibition is touring across Canada and is currently on display at the Kamloops Art Gallery in British Columbia.  Later this fall the exhibition travels to the McMichael Gallery in Kleinburg, Ontario and later, in 2009, to the National Gallery in Ottawa. 
Bonnie Devine, the curator of this exhibition, has brought together some of Daphne's most memorable paintings. It is truly an outstanding exhibition by an outstanding Canadian artist.

Recently interviewed for a feature on Bravo, Aaron has produced a series of fifteen new works.

Join us Saturday June 14, 2008 for a small gathering to meet the artist and view these dynamic new works.

Aaron will be in attendance between 2 and 4 PM.

New Works just in by artists Alex Janvier and Aaron Paquette.

 As a member of the commonly referred to “Indian Group of Seven”, Janvier is one of the significant pioneering aboriginal artists in Canada, and as such has influenced many generations of aboriginal artists. 

Aaron Paquette, a descendant of the Cree and Cherokee, is a young artist with immense talent.  In addition to his acrylic and oil works, Aaron apprenticed in Stained Glass and then as a Goldsmith.  "In my paintings, I seek to nurture a relationship with the viewer.  I try to use colors that are calming, but also fresh and exciting...".

"This Is Our Place", an exhibition of new works by Jim Logan.  Opening reception Saturday May 24 from 2 - 4 PM.  The exhibition continues through to June 5, 2008.

Jim Logan is a Canadian artist with a mission. His mission is using his art to depict what he calls the “Quiet Condition.”  He found there was the broad spectrum of life on a Northern Indian Reserve. The tenderness and love in his work, contrasted with alcoholism and despair, has shown Jim to be an accurate and painfully honest commentator of native life. He contrives to use his art as a graphic social comment as well as inspiration to many young Native artists. His honesty and sensitivity have earned him international recognition. Jim is undoubtedly an exceptional artist and a voice of his people.

April 19 & 20 is Edmonton's Gallery Walk weekend.  Come join us for the gallery walk and the opening celebration of "Seasons - Nature's Mosaic", new works by Laird Goulet.  The exhibition opens from 2 - 4 PM on Saturday April 19, 2008 and continues throught to May 1.

 2008 Spring Exhibition Schedule:
March 29 - April 10, "Printmaker" - This exhibition explores the important contribution of Daphne Odjig (Prints).  The works will be listed on the website after March 25.
April 19 - May 1, New Works by Laird Goulet .  We are pleased to introduce this young emerging artist with his dynamic imagery depicting a traditional way of life.
May 24 - June 5, New Works byJim Logan .  Exploring the "Quiet Condition" is the focus of this powerful exhibition

To Watch Out For:
This January the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec, is honouring one of Canada’s most influential and important Aboriginal artists with the exhibition Daphne Odjig: Four Decades of Prints.  
In late March the Bearclaw Gallery will open its own retrospective exhibition of Daphne Odjig's important print collection featuring many of the same works found in the Museum of Civilization. 

The Bearclaw Gallery is pleased to welcome Michael Robinson to the gallery. 
Michael has been producing artworks for over thirty years and has a vast list of accomplishments.  His works can be found in the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Glenbow Art Institute, the McMichael Collection, the Royal Ontario Museum and more. 

It is with great sadness that  we would like to inform you that Norval Morrisseau passed away December 4 at the age of 75 years.  Considered the "Grandfather of Native Art", Norval led the way in First Nations art.  His vast list of accomplishments include the Order of Canada, a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Art and he was the first First Nations artist to be featured in a solo exhibition at the National Gallery of Canada.  He will be greatly missed.

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The Bearclaw Gallery is please to present Divine Nurture ... 
An exhibition on new works by Aaron Paquette opening Saturday, November 24, 2007 and continuing through to December 6.  Meet the artist from 2 - 4 PM on Saturday, November 24.

The Bearclaw Gallery is please to present "Spirit Within", an exhibition of new  works by Maxine Noel.  The exhibition opens Saturday, November 3 from 2 - 4 PM with the artist in attendance, and continues through to November 16.

Fall 2007 Exhibition Schedule:
September 29 - October 6, "Lateral View", Works by Carl Beam 

October 20 - November 1, New Works by Alex Janvier 

November 3 - 15, New Works by Maxine Noel 

November 24 - December 6, New Works by Aaron Paquette