NEWS RELEASE
ORILLIA AND DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL
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On Nov. 5, the Orillia and District Arts Council (ODAC) and Creative Nomad Studios, with support from the Canada Council for the Arts, will present A Visual Reconciliation — Part One.
There will be an artists’ presentation and reception from 2 to 5 p.m. at Creative Nomad Studios, 23 Mississaga St. W., Orillia. This is a free event.
A Visual Reconciliation presents the Seven Grandmother Teachings from the perspective of four culturally diverse artists. Each expresses the interpretation from their own cultural background, as well as from their lived experiences. The combined presentation offers insight about the similarities between peoples and the universality of the teachings. The public is invited to view the initial interpretive works at a presentation and reception on Saturday, Nov. 5 at Creative Nomad Studios, Orillia.
The first of the teachings to be presented is:
Bravery — Aakwa’ode’ewin: Bravery is represented by the bear. The mother bear has the courage and strength to face her fears and challenges while protecting her young. The bear also shows us how to live a balanced life with rest, survival, and play. To face life with courage is to know bravery. Find your inner strength to face the difficulties of life and the courage to be yourself. Defend what you believe in and what is right for your community, family, and self.
The four artists are Xavier Fernandes, a Canadian artist based in Orillia, Julie Chǔ Níng Tián (田楚宁), a self-taught Chinese Canadian artist living in Toronto, Ted Fullerton, a multimedia artist from north of the Greater Toronto Area, and Paul Shilling (Dazaunggee), an Indigenous artist from Chippewas of Rama First Nation.
The Orillia and District Arts Council is a registered charitable corporation (Ontario) since 1999. ODAC co-ordinates funding for local arts and culture projects as well as developing artist-specific and cultural events as well as projects that apply art to the wellness of the community at large. Our vision is a strong, united creative community, working together to enhance culture in our area. The mission of the Orillia and District Arts Council is to empower, advocate for, and celebrate all art forms in our community and region. We value inclusiveness, lifelong learning, respect for art and artists, diversity, community, freedom of expression. ODAC has been a driving force behind Culture Days Orillia, the patio program, mental health and the arts, and many other efforts.
This project has been made possible by a generous grant from the Canada Council for the Arts. The Canada Council for the Arts is Canada’s public arts funder, with a mandate to foster and promote the study, enjoyment, and production of works in the arts. The Canada Council, a federal Crown corporation, is accountable to Parliament through the minister of Canadian heritage and is governed by an 11-member board.
The remaining teachings will be presented in various galleries and locations between November 2022 and July 2023. They are:
Honesty — Gwekwaadziwin
Humility — Dbaadendiziwin
Respect — Manaaji’idiwin
Love — Zaagi’idiwin
Truth — Debwewin
Wisdom — Nbwaakaawin
Announcement of the remaining presentations will be made publicly as well as on the ODAC web page and social media. Information can be obtained by visiting www.facebook.com/OrilliaArtsCouncil or www.orilliaartscouncil.ca.
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