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Saskatoon Berry Jam

Various Artists

February 26, 2024 - March 08, 2024

Snelgrove Art Gallery

Curated by Snelgrove Gallery Staff

Saskatoon Berry Jam is a collaborative exhibition combining Indigenous artists, music, micro-art, and the act of giving. The exhibition will run between February 26 - March 8, 2024. On March 8, there will be a lunchtime "jam" concert in the Gordon Snelgrove Gallery to conclude the exhibition, and USask’s Indigenous Achievement Week

Gallery Hours: Mondays - Fridays, between 10am to 4pm.

Opening Reception: Monday, February 26 at 11:30am - 1pm.

About the Exhibition

Between February 26th - March 1st, the gallery will be an open space for creative practice as we invite students, employees, and the general public to stop by and partake in the act of creating micro-art, specifically micro Saskatoon Berries. The top of the ramp in the Arts Tower will also be a space for participating in this creative practice. Various materials will be available at each site to allow visitors to create these berries however they wish! As you create, please consider leaving a berry (or more) in the buckets provided across these spaces. 

While the exhibition progresses, ISAP members will collect the berry-filled buckets, which will then be given away to various events and speakers during Indigenous Achievement Week, March 4th - 8th. This act of give aways holds a strong history for Indigenous communities, one that we hope to acknowledge with this exhibition. And, thank you to Art Placement for their donation of the micro-art materials! We are endlessly grateful for their support of our outreach programming. 

Accompanying the act of art-making and giveaways, this exhibition also features a broad range of artworks by Indigenous students across various departments on the USask campus. These artworks will be displayed on walls and plinths throughout the gallery. 

About the Artists

Ailah Carpenter is a mixed-Indigenous artist from Saskatchewan. They are a member of Stanley Mission, which is a part of Lac La Ronge First Nation. Currently, Ailah is pursuing a BFA in Studio art at the University of Saskatchewan; her specialty lies in two-dimensional mediums such as painting, drawing, and printmaking. However, she is eager to explore further digital and sculptural art forms. When she isn’t making art or developing her skills, she usually elevates social issues or supports loved ones who carry on when she needs rest. Being a two-spirited, psychiatrically complex individual, Ailah's experiences inspire them to emphasize the importance of introspection and humanity's relationship with the world. Often, her motifs include feminine energy, insects, flowers, and medicinal plants, all interwoven in the stars. Though her work has details that glimpse into their personality, her art ultimately speaks to the realized representation of acceptance and self-love.

I am an Indigenous, Ukrainian artist born in Saskatoon, SK. I have always had a love for creating works of art as I come from a very artistic, adventurous family. My parents are both extremely creative people - my mom is a photographer/ painter and my dad is a jack of all trades. I love nature and have had the privilege to travel a lot growing up. I like to experiment with different art mediums, some of my favourites being acrylic and oil paint, I especially love textures, and the impasto technique.

Aurora Wolfe is a multimedia artist, researcher, and musician of Cree and Scottish descent. Her work centers on the relationships between Indigeneity and institutions, teasing out stories that have been overshadowed by the dominant colonial narrative. She holds an interest in exploring dynamic relationality and creating art that generates acts of kinship with the past, present, and future.

Erin Baril is a fourth year student majoring in Biology and Biochemistry. She loves spending time outside and enjoys getting out into the backcountry as much as she can, usually dragging her paints along with her. She is of mixed settler and Cree ancestry and a proud member of Muskoday First Nation. You can find her work on Instagram or Facebook @Erin.Baril.Art  

Jennifer Amarualik-Yaremko is an Inuk Master's student researching methods to incorporate Indigenous worldviews and values in every life sector.

My name is Jewel Charles, and I am a Woodland Cree woman from the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, but I currently reside in Saskatoon. I am in my 4th year in the Indian Teacher Education Program (ITEP) at the UofS. My teacher areas are Visual Arts and Indigenous Studies. I use both my passions as a way to connect to my roots and learn more about myself as an Indigenous person. My artwork is my form of storytelling to express my journey of self exploration and identity. I also use my art to empower Indigenous youth and showcase the importance of expressing oneself through art.

Joseph Desjarlais was born and raised in Ile-a-la Crosse, a small Metis community in Northern Saskatchewan. He was taught by John Arcand when he was 10 years old to play the Metis fiddle and has since then branched out into a few other styles of fiddle playing, though he finds it hard not to turn every tune he plays Metis. Joseph has finished his Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Biomedical Neuroscience and is now looking to undertake Postgraduate masters and doctoral studies. Joseph has played for many events and people over his 12 years of fiddle playing. From large events like Back to Batoche all the way to a small supper for his family and friends, he isn’t picky about who, what, when, or where he plays the fiddle. 

Joseph Naytowhow is an award winning Plains/Woodland Cree (nehiyaw) interdisciplinary artist from the Sturgeon Lake First Nation Band in Saskatchewan. His generosity and compassion for sharing cultural knowledge makes him a much sought-after speaker, performer, facilitator, and outdoor educator for adults and chldren alike, locally, regionally, and internationally. A longtime resident of Saskatoon, he has been playing music and telling stories, both tall and short, for over 35 years. In addition to his busy schedule of performances, he has served as a cultural advisor and resisant artist/elder to various institutions such as Indian Teacher Education Program (ITEP) in Saskatoon, and multiple universities across Turtle Island. Joseph holds a Bachelor of Education degree (ITEP) and is pleased to share his creative life experience, coyote trickster tendencies and cultural knowledge when invited to do so.

Joseph can currently be found at the College of Law, University of Saskatchewan where he serves as Emerging Elder/Cultural Advisor.

I am a Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation member of Old Crow, Yukon. Old Crow, Yukon is the most northern isolated, fly-in only community in the Yukon. Population 250. Growing up I watched my mother who was a single mom of three children, I grew up watching her bead every day. Every year we would get brand new beaded fancy moccosins for christmas. Beading comes naturally as all my ancestors beaded and sewed for a living. I taught myself how to put together the beaded moccosins I would bead, and also the gauntlets, and fancy boots. Most of my beading I do for sale, and for family members. I do beading to fill in spare time and when I was not in Universtiy I would bead full time, all day, every day. I love beading as it brings calmness to my day and reminds me of what my ancestors instilled in me.

I am a second-year student in the college of arts and science aspiring to acquire a degree in law. I am Metis from Red River, and I belong to Metis local 9. I have always had a passion for and deep appreciation for art. It is an incredible pleasure to have the opportunity to have one of my pieces in an installation. This piece was made in an art class that I could participate in through the ISAP program. It is a digital piece, being done entirely on photoshop, and it represents the otherworldly feeling one can get when immersed in a good book.

Melissa L'Hirondelle is a Two-Spirit, Métis artist, with her family hailing from the Michel Band in Alberta. Spending a few years travelling Vancouver Island, Saskatchewan and Alberta after high school, Melissa is now focusing on her writing and creating digital artworks, exploring different techniques and styles to keep growing her style.

Tânisi, my name is Olivia Andres (she/her) and I am mixed Russian-Ukrainian and Plains Cree. I am a registered member of Sweetgrass First Nation and have loving family ties to Birch Narrows Dene Nation through my stepdad. I started taking classical violin lessons when I was five years old and continued until I was eighteen. My parents were always really supportive of any interest I had in music growing up so I have also picked up a little guitar, cello, piano, ukulele, mandolin, and banjo along the way. I spent a long time playing violin alone and it made me nervous to play with others. I have since come out of my shell a bit and I love to jam with friends and help my little brother practice his own violin. For me, playing music is a great way to relax and spend time with friends. I love the flexibility of music that allows for creativity and error and creates space for a variety of diverse forms of music to thrive and come together. I also just love the support within the music community and getting to contribute to the positivity in those spaces is healing.

Hello, my name is Raina Buffalo Pechawis and I am 22 years old. I am from the Whitecap Dakota Nation and Mistawasis First Nation. Currently, I'm in my fourth year in university, but 2nd year into my Studio Art Program. I have been a creative soul for as long as I can remember, art is my passion and my getaway. Culture is a huge influence for me, most of my art pieces have a connection to an object or place in my Dakota culture or inspired by a story. My dad is an artist as well, he inspired me to become an artist just like him. I enjoy the arts of beading, sewing, drawing, and painting.

Hello, my name is Ronan Inkster (they/them), and I am a first-year student and a proud Métis citizen enrolled in the Department of Music. I am a multi-instrumentalist majoring in trumpet and playing a bit of guitar on the side. My main motivation for sharing music simply comes from my love and passion for the art. In my opinion, it is one of the most expressive art forms that exist, and also one of the most relatable. Overall I just love performing it and I love listening to it equally as much.

I am a Metis artist hailing from Nordale, formerly known as Fox Farm—a road allowance community near P.A., SK. With over 20 years of experience as a plasterer and stone mason, I now embark on a journey to blend my trade skills with the world of fine art. My creative path has been shaped by overcoming challenges—I grapple with bipolar II and dyslexia, yet I persistently express my often chaotic thoughts. My passion extends beyond art; I revel in math, physics, and all things scientific. In 2021, I was honored with the Lois and Art Rein Bursaries in Education while studying at SUNTEP.

I am 29 year old mother of two from the Montreal Lake Cree Nation. I have been at USask and living in Saskatoon since 2015. I have received an undergraduate certificate in Acting, an undergraduate degree in Psychology, a graduate certificate in leadership, and now I’m currently working towards my Master of Science.

I am a 20 year old, indigenous, two-spirit and queer artist from Saskatoon with Muscowpetung being my reserve. For the longest time I struggled knowing who I was, both as a queer and trans individual but as an indigenous person as well. I have always struggled to feel "indigenous" enough to call myself that. Learning how to bead alongside my mother, has definitely helped in feeling better about who I am. I started including pride colours in my work as pride is another way to express who I am.

I am Cree and Dakota, I am trying to learn my cultures as best as I can as they are very different. I am currently in my 2nd year in ITEP. When I am not in school, I love to read, do art, and play music. I am an introvert and love to be in my own little world sometimes, however I enjoy being out in nature.

My name is Tyrell Hardlotte (He/Him) and I am from La Ronge, Saskatchewan and a member of the woodland cree. Later on, my family moved to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan where I had access to my first musical learning through the band program in the Prince Albert public school system. The instruments I play are called the oboe and English horn which are both lovely, fantastic, and unique instruments. The oboe is my main instrument but I play the English horn when it is asked for in a musical setting. One thing that has motivated me playing in concert bands, orchestras, and chamber ensembles is about the creation of music and community building. Everyone needs to contribute to the musical setting to create a beautiful, cohesive blending of sounds. It is like working as a tightly-knitted team. For myself, my participation in music making has always sparked joy within myself.

Tansi, my name is Zoe Kostuchuk (she/her), and I am a 2/3 year SUNTEP student and a registered member of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation. My matrilineage is Cree/Metis from Northern Saskatchewan, and my patrilineage is of Ukrainian immigrant descent. I mainly grew up in Saskatoon although I spent lots of time enjoying the land up North, around Amiskasakakan (Beaver Lake) and Flin Flon, where my parents are from. I’ve been playing music since I was around 5 years old, and I am very thankful to have music in my life. My mom put me in violin lessons when I was about 5 years old, then I later played the alto saxophone in elementary school band, then I taught myself guitar at age 12 and have since been developing my love of singing! Lately, what I enjoy most about music is getting together with my friends to jam and share the love of music!

Programming and Events

Open Call for artists: Tuesday, January 9 - Saturday, February 17, 2024. 

Makers’ circles: Monday, February 26 - Saturday, March 2, times vary. In the Gordon Snelgrove Gallery, and at the top of the Arts Ramp.

Lunchtime Potlach/ Opening Reception: Monday, February 26 at 11:30am - 1:00pm. With an opening talk by MFA candidate, Aurora Wolfe.

Lunchtime "jam" concert: Friday, March 8 at 11:30am - 1:00pm. Hosted by Joseph Naytowhow. 

For full event listings, visit Programs and Events.