The Making Place | Sunday, June 23, 2024

In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, The Making Place invites families to join us to learn more about Indigenous cultures through storytelling, necklace design and drawing with artists Xwemilut Lisa Lewis and Ungwa-Kasu Chris L. Wilson.

In the necklace-making workshop, weaver, author and cultural custodian Xwemilut Lisa Lewis will share stories and show participants how to design and create their own canoe necklace.

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In the drawing workshop, families will learn about Indigenous drawing styles and techniques with artist Ungwa-Kasu Chris L. Wilson. Then, they will create their own work inspired by what they have learned.

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The Making Place is free for Gallery Members and Access Pass Holders or with Gallery Admission. Free for children 12 and under, when accompanied by an adult. Youth 18 and under always visit free!

Please note that you do not need to pay General Admission twice to register for both activities. If you wish to sign-up for a second activity, please email learn@vanartgallery.bc.ca to register, or drop-in on the day of the event.

Both workshops are suitable for ages 7 and up. No previous experience required. Supplies will be provided. Four sessions will be offered between 11 AM and 4 PM. Capacity for each session is limited. Registration is required.

Hands-on art-making activities will also take place throughout the day in the Gallery Lobby on a drop-in basis. Open to all ages and abilities.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 

Ongoing Making Activities
11 AM–4 PM 
In the Gallery Lobby

Necklace-Making & Storytelling Workshop | Session 1
11 AM–12:30 PM
In Room 4East

Drawing Workshop | Session 1
12:30–2 PM  
In the Annex Workshop

Necklace-Making & Storytelling Workshop | Session 2
1–2:30 PM
In Room 4East

Drawing Workshop | Session 2
2:30–4 PM  
In the Annex Workshop 

Join a Family Tour! Delve deeper into the exhibitions with a guided Family Tour. Every Sunday at 2 PM, the Gallery also offers a tour designed for visitors aged 5 to 12 years old and their families. Sign up for a same-day tour on the day of your visit in The Making Place.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Lisa Lewis, also known by her ancestral name Xwemilut, is a dedicated Salish weaver from the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) Nation and the author of the First Nations children’s book, Tsunaxen’s Journey (2013). Lewis has apprenticed under master weavers Chepximiya Siyam’ Chief Janice George (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh/Squamish) and Skwetsimeltxw Willard “Buddy” Joseph (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh/Squamish) for an impressive fourteen years. Lewis’ artistic journey extends beyond the physical act of weaving, encompassing the learning of songs and protocols intricately tied to the rich tapestry of Salish artistry. In her own words, “I am honored to be able to share our sacred teachings and be part of our ceremonies. Chen kwen mantumi (I am grateful).” This phrase encapsulates her deep respect for the cultural heritage she represents, and her commitment to preserving and sharing these sacred traditions through her art.

Chris L. Wilson was born into the Haisla Nation in 1975, and in 1983, he was given his uncle’s baby name of Ungwa-Kasu. As the Haisla Nation is a matriarchal society, the traditional names do not die with the passing of the person holding that name; when a person gets their adult name, they pass that name on to their sister’s correlating child. Ungwa-Kasu means first born. 

From the time Ungwa-Kasu was 3 years old, he was enthusiastic about art and spent hours using a small chalkboard to draw cartoons and animals. When Ungwa-Kasu turned 13, he started to emulate the art that he grew up seeing being made around him by renowned artists in his family, such as Derek Wilson, Barry Wilson, Gary Wilson and Henry Robertson. In high school, Ungwa-Kasu took up First Nations design and worked on developing his own style, as each artist has their own style like a fingerprint. His style is unique but close to his uncle Barry’s. 

In 2008, Chris moved to Vancouver and has worked at the Vancouver Art Gallery since that time, guarding the artworks that are on display. One of the perks of his job is that he has the opportunity to discover and appreciate the artworks on display by world-renowned artists, such as Edgar Degas, Leonardo DaVinci and Emily Carr. However, Ungwa-Kasu has a deeper admiration for the First Nations artists who have had so much taken away from them, like he did, but who still managed to persevere and make giant names for themselves, like Susan Point, Robert Davidson and Roy Henry Vickers. These are the artists that he looks up to and respects for pushing an art form forward into the non-Indigenous world and making it world class.