WIKWEMIKONG—Wikwemikong is helping support and build its artistic community through the creation of the Wikwemikong Art Gallery, which officially opened its doors last week in the new Wikwemikong Small Business Centre.
“The idea for the gallery started with a group of artists in Wikwemikong who wanted to establish a venue to help foster and encourage young artists in the community,” explained Wikwemikong Art Gallery Arts Coordinator Mike Cywink. “The gallery’s mandate is to promote Wikwemikong artists and this gallery is a first step.”
The gallery opened a month ago, just in time for the annual Manitoulin Art Tour, but it officially opened its doors last Friday with an impressive agenda of workshops each day last week leading up to the opening.
Events throughout the week included a pillar painting workshop, country music open mic, a breakdancing workshop, beading, hip-hop open mic, various styles of painting workshops, songwriting and spoken word sessions, graffiti art workshop, powwow dancing and a fashion show.
“The band is looking to help further expand arts in the community moving forward and eventually the vision is to have a space that could be used for theater, music and recording, in addition to a gallery space,” continued Mr. Cywink. “Through the new gallery we are also developing a database of all the artists, working with all mediums, in the community such as sculptures, traditional craft makers, painters, photographers, carvers etc. There are so many talented artists in Wikwemikong that people just don’t know about.”
Mr. Cywink explained that many artists don’t know how to market themselves or sell their work and with the gallery, this will provide a venue for them display their work, sell their pieces and promote them as artists.
“Moving forward, the artists in the community will be working on developing a selection committee to jury the work coming into the gallery,” added Mr. Cywink.
“The gallery will be in a central location to provide exposure of Wikwemikong art locally, but Mr. Cywink will also be working on cataloguing and determining markets in other areas of the province and Canada,” Chief Peltier explained to The Expositor. “We want to create a market for local artists of all kinds, from woodwork, painting, etc, so that they can keep creating and pass on their knowledge to future generations.”
Currently on display are the early works by Francis Peter Kagige. Works for purchase include pieces by Josh Peltier, John Simon, Zach Cywink, Crystal Simon, Michael Trudeau, James Jack, Damon Fox, Patrick Fox and John Simon, to name a few.
All the works vary in style and medium, as well as price, making finding the perfect piece for any art lover or budget easy.
The gallery is located at 15 Edward Street, Unit 5 of the new Wikwemikong Small Business Centre, just off of Wikwemikong Way (the community’s main road). For more information or gallery hours call 705-859-2204.
