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OPEN TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY FROM 11 AM TO 4 PM
“Repatriation of the Buffalo”
Bone china, tin, 9” x 16”
The ceramic buffalo is a project I created based on the historical killing and starvation of plains people and the use of buffalo bones to make bone china. In the age of repatriation I am bringing back the buffalo to their rightful home. Although in pieces.
“Survival 94”
Book, 5” x 7” x 1”
This work represents some of the most haunting things I have learned about history books and the most romantic of games I played growing up, cowboys and indians. I have interspersed texts from an indigenous framework alongside historical settler recounts of how Canada was formed. The result is an altered book with conflicting texts and images. They represent each world view. I have printed the calls to action on the corresponding pages. Many go unanswered.
Artist statement
It is only through relationships that I have begun my journey as a settler ACKNOWLEDGING how I participate in and enjoy, the privileges of my settler identity. I have been blessed with many patient, indigenous friends and teachers. It has taken a full ten years to address and finally take responsibility for my role.
I am an art teacher. I grew up on the Indian Line on the cusp of Six Nations. I have been tasked with teaching the first grade 9 Expressing Indigenous Art course in Toronto. I take courses with Tanya Senk, Nicole Bell, and Susan Dionne. It has been an incredible ongoing process to rethink and relearn. Gidge Tinney and Stephen Hunter were incredibly patient with my questions. They allowed me to hang out and process not only what I was reading but how it looked and felt. Gidge and I put on a play together, based on Drew Hayden Taylor’s work.
Kelly Beaulieu is an artist and arts educator. After the Truth and Reconciliation report was released, a mandatory course was designed to address grade 9 arts students in Ontario. With the written and spoken direction of Tanya Senk, Dr. Duke Redbird, Nicole Bell, Susan Dion and Gidge Tinney, Kelly has been facilitating workshops with youth for the eight years. It is one piece of the journey to understand the issues and reconcile her own participation in privilege.
The future lies within the artists and dreamers of our world. Kelly is honoured and humbled by her experiences with indigenous elders. Her work reflects the cynicism of historical experience met with the frank optimism and hope of young artists.
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