MJMAG exhibits honoured traditional Aboriginal beadwork projects in 2020
The Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery hosted two unique cultural exhibits curated by local Cree traditional artist Barb Frazer in 2020, showcasing the hard work and cultural connections of Aboriginal women from the area. Both of the exhibitions mentioned below can be viewed in an online gallery by visiting mjmag.ca/ community-exhibits.
down from woman to woman. Some individuals spent months completing their capes, many of which were featured in the gallery exhibition.
Bernice La Rose’s work (L) is displayed alongside Maryanne Machiskinic’s cape (R). (photo by Larissa Kurz)
Curator and traditional Cree artist Barb Frazer, wearing her own cape featuring a recreated design that mirrors the one on her grandmother’s moccasins, organized both beading projects. (photo by Larissa Kurz)
Women’s Cape Project: In partnership with the Wakamow Aboriginal Community Association and Sask Culture, Frazer facilitated a beadwork class with a group of women interested in exploring the traditional practice. Wonda Alton’s cape features red and white roses, and Jazenta Saultier’s beadwork features dragonflies and flowers for her family, both past and present. (photo by Larissa Kurz)
Artist Ashley Young with a guest at the Cape Project opening, talking about her Tree of Life-inspired cape design. (photo by Larissa Kurz)
During the nine-week class, each woman began creating a handmade beaded cape that represented their family or history in some way. The beaded cape is traditionally a ceremonial item in most Indigenous cultures, worn at the highest ceremonies, and the knowledge of craft is something that is passed
Artist Mavis Olson took the time to bead her fringe in an intricate pattern.
The WACA Women’s Cape Project was on display at the MJMAG from Feb. 7 to Aug. 30, 2020 and featured works from eight local Aboriginal artists.
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