Call to Action #83 art exhibition raises consciousness around Indigenous truth and reconciliation issues
Nov. 15, 2016
Violence against the land, by Nancy King
About one year ago, 16 Simcoe County artists were inspired to initiate an art project that sprang from reflections on Report of the Trust and Reconciliation Commission.
The result, an exhibit of extraordinary works by Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, is available for public viewing and discussion at the Orillia Campus of Georgian College on Wednesday, Nov. 30.
Sponsored by the Orillia Campus Indigenous Resource Centre, the event is open to the public as well as Georgian College students and staff.
“Visitors are encouraged to view the artwork, ask questions of the artists and to ask themselves ‘what can I do?'” said Dawn Ireland, Indigenous student advisor with the centre. “Call to Action #83 lays out a roadmap for communities to go together in harmony.”
Each work is the creation of a unique personality, esthetic sensibility and skilled hands – yet the 16 pieces share many images and themes bearing witness with honesty and respect to the facts of past experience, while envisioning a future towards reconciliation.
Presentations by artists take place hourly from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Orillia Campus Theatre, with viewing sessions at 10 a.m. and noon. A reception with the artists will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in Indigenous Resource Centre, Room B201.