Mayor Bevilacqua celebrates opening of Inuit art exhibition
Image
Works of three prominent artists featured in facingNORTH
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua issued the following statement to celebrate the opening of the facingNORTH art exhibition at Vaughan City Hall’s on the SLATE Atrium Gallery:
“The
City of Vaughan is fortunate to feature the works of three extraordinarily talented
Inuit artists who share these majestic works with all of us. Abraham Ruben is a
gifted sculptor and I am fortunate to include some of his works in my own
collection. Irene Avaalaaqiaq’s career evolved from drawing to sculpting to
printmaking and led to her final preference – designing colourful and inspiring
wall hangings. Billy Merkosak is primarily known as a whalebone sculptor who is
also recognized as a traditional mask-maker. His work continues to be exhibited
in prominent galleries.
“We are
drawn to exhibitions like this because we appreciate how powerful a medium like
art can truly be.
“facingNORTH
showcases the best of these artists. The exhibition evokes emotion, it embodies
the spirit of our Indigenous People and it inspires us to capture our own
essence so that it too can be shared and appreciated.
“Through
this public display, we acknowledge the meaningful contributions made by Inuit
artists.
“Today,
we also recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day to pay tribute to the meaningful
contributions First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples have made throughout
Canada.
“This
exhibition is just one example of the many ways the City supports cultural and
artistic diversity in Vaughan.
“Enriching
the lives of residents with art and cultural expression through events,
exhibits and festivals is part of providing Service Excellence to our citizens.
“Our
city has a proud history of supporting and celebrating arts and culture. We
also have a strong historical connection with First Nations, as we are situated on Traditional Territories and
Treaty Lands, in particular those of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First
Nation, as well as the Anishinaabeg of the Williams Treaty First Nations, the
Huron-Wendat and the Métis Nation.
“Once
again, congratulations to everyone who helped make this facingNORTH exhibition
so successful.
“As part
of National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day, I
encourage everyone to appreciate these marvelous works of art and to honour the
unique heritage and outstanding achievements of the Indigenous Peoples in
Canada.”
*Check
against delivery
-30-