Artist Leah Dorion works on a chalk mural depicting Métis values and teachings from Elders. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

By Alison Sandstrom

Interactive art

Métis artists launch summer public art series

Jul 11, 2020 | 10:00 AM

A new partnership between two local artists is bringing Métis culture to the street this summer in Prince Albert.

Leah Dorion and Danielle Castle will create a series of five temporary public art installations around the city during July and August.

Throughout the process, Dorion will mentor Castle, teaching her how to plan, produce, and install interactive public art.

Leah Dorion (left) and Danielle Castle pause thier work to pose for a photo. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

On Friday afternoon, a small crowd gathered to watch the pair create a large chalk mural in front of the Mann Art Gallery.

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“It’s a way for us to have a conversation about the Métis culture,” Dorion told paNOW. “Between ourselves, but also with the community.”

In the coming weeks, the duo plans to unveil a new installation every Friday. Over the course of the summer, the public can expect to see a herd of buffalo on the riverbank, a live Giving Tree at Kinsmen Park, and a willow labyrinth near the Field House.

Friday’s mural was based on Dorion’s book The Giving Tree: A Retelling of a Traditional Metis Story which highlights core Métis values like courage, balance, Mother Earth, patience and tolerance.

Dorion explained they carefully considered the pandemic in their planning. That meant making considerations for safety, but also simply recognizing the public’s particular need for uplifting messages and accessible art at this moment.

“We wanted to share something very positive and public and outdoors,” said Dorion. “So people could be out in the fresh air, in the sunshine and the elements, and be able to easily social distance.”

The Intergenerational Métis Artist Mentorship Program builds off Dorion’s previous work with the Mann Art Gallery where she’s facilitated various community workshops. Castle is the gallery’s Art Educator.

Dorion sees the program as an important opportunity to transfer knowledge to a fellow Métis artist and art educator.

Danielle Castle blends pastel chalk into the concrete in front of the Mann Art Gallery. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff).

Castle is similarly enthusiastic about the project.

“I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity and experience,” she said. I’m just really excited to get out there and make some art.”

The interactive element will be an important part of all five installations, and Castle said they hope to further continue the conversation online through the Mann Art Gallery’s social media channels.

“We still really wanted to connect with the community,” she said. “But because of COVID, we can’t physically do the art with groups of people. So, at least this is a way we can engage.”

The Intergenerational Métis Artist Mentorship Project is funded by the Aboriginal Arts and Culture Leadership grant from Saskculture and the Community Initiatives Fund.

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom