A one-of-a-kind vendor market is popping up next month at The University of Winnipeg, showcasing a wide variety of artworks and creative wares handcrafted by local Indigenous artisans.
Gallery 1C03 is organizing UWinnipeg’s first-ever Indigenous Makers Market on Thursday, November 28, in partnership with the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Indigenous Student Services Centre (ISSC), and the Indigenous Students’ Association (ISA).
“The idea for this Indigenous Makers Market arose from conversations with Cree/Anishinaabe/British relational maker KC Adams, who will be presenting a solo exhibit at the Gallery later this fall and through the winter,” said Jennifer Gibson, Director/Curator of Gallery 1C03.
“KC’s work is created in relation to and with community, and her show, ‘Seven Generations,’ points to the enduring importance of creative making within Indigenous communities. The market will extend the impact of the exhibition and offer the opportunity for local Indigenous makers to showcase and sell their work on campus. We are excited to see who chooses to submit their work for this event and we hope that folks will stop by and support Indigenous makers by purchasing their creations.”
Margaret Firlotte, an Indigenous student in the Faculty of Graduate Studies, is helping Gibson manage this event as part of her curatorial practicum with the gallery.
“Margaret is herself a well-known Métis maker who has hosted numerous workshops and has organized community art exhibitions previously,” Gibson said. “We are grateful for the experience and perspective that she brings and for the partnership of the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the ISSC, and the ISA.”
Calling all Indigenous makers
Indigenous makers, including those who are UWinnipeg students and staff, are invited to apply by Sunday, October 27 to participate in the market. There is no table fee and makers can choose a full table or a half table. Makers will keep 100 per cent of the proceeds from any sales they make. The application form is available online, along with additional information for makers. Successful applicants will be notified November 1. Questions about the market can be emailed to uwinnipegimm@gmail.com.
All media are accepted, from beadwork and embroidery to quillwork, needlecraft, quilt work, moccasins, jewelry, regalia, photographs, prints, paintings, drawings, cards, ceramics, glass, woodworking, and bath and body products. Work must be of original design, but may be functional, decorative, or conceptual. No food please.
The UWinnipeg community, and the general public, are invited to shop the market on Thursday, November 28 from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tables will be set up on the first floor of Centennial Hall in front of Gallery 1C03, and around the corner in the Riddell Atrium (in front of the campus cafeteria).
Gallery 1C03, which opened in 1986, is UWinnipeg’s campus art gallery. Its mission is to engage diverse communities through the development and presentation of contemporary and historical art exhibitions and related programming activities.
The Gallery is also responsible for the development, preservation, and presentation of the University’s art collection. Since its inception, Gallery 1C03 has hosted more than 160 exhibitions and welcomed more than 170,000 visitors.
