Amulets to Art III

An Exhibition of Arctic Jewellery

Exhibition Date: June 19th to July 12th, 2004
Vancouver, BC - Amulets to Art III: An Exhibition of Arctic Jewellery opens at the Spirit Wrestler Gallery on June 19, a continuation from two previous exhibitions at the gallery featuring jewellery and containers created by arctic students/artists.

The artwork covers a range of styles exploring the themes of arctic animals, legends and life on the land. Amulets to Art has evolved since the previous exhibit four years ago to use new materials in the jewellery making. In addition to the variety of metals-14k gold, silver, copper and brass-the students/artists are incorporating unique stones and wood.

There will be 11 artists/students in attendance for the opening on Saturday, June 19th, representing communities spanning Nunavut: Anthony Ullikatar, Arctic Bay; Okpik Pitseolak, Cape Dorset; Pootoogook Qiatsuk, Cape Dorset; Johnny Kadlutsiak, Hall Beach; Serapio Ittusardjuat, Igloolik; Therese Ukaliannuk, Igloolik; Sandra Hettich, Iqaluit; Pootoogook Noah, Iqaluit; Kowisa Arlooktoo, Kimmirut; Sandy Maniapik, Pangnirtung; and Josie Pitseolak, Pond Inlet. Also included in the exhibition, but not in attendance are: Pierre Koomuk, Arivat; Lydia Qayaq, Clyde River; Mosha Arnatsiaq, Igloolik; and Jorge Ipkanak, Rankin Inlet.

For many of the artists/students this tour will be their first visit south of the arctic. In the days leading to the exhibit opening, they will be taking the opportunity to visit both the Aboriginal Friendship Centre and a Northwest Coast artist studio here in Vancouver as well as an Inuit artist studio on Saltspring Island.

Amulets to Art III: An Exhibition of Arctic Jewellery will be on display at the Spirit Wrestler Gallery until July 12, 2004. Amulets to Art III is organized by the Spirit Wrestler Gallery and the Nunavut Arctic College with the generous support of the Canada Council.