ARTSPLACE Gallery will host the official unveiling of “Msit No’kmaq, All My Relations,” a sculpture by Mi’kmaw artist Lorne A. Julien, September 28, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The ceremony will take place on the lawn at ARTSPLACE and is open to everyone. In case of rain, the event will move indoors.
The afternoon will begin with a welcome from Julien and Angelika Waldow, who will introduce the project and the people involved. Carew Tironiate Meuse, also known as Cruzer, a Mi’kmaq–Okanagan graphic artist and self-taught creator from Bear River First Nation, L’sitkuk, and Penticton. Meuse will lead a smudging ceremony and share teachings with those attending. Julien will follow with an artist talk about “Msit No’kmaq, All My Relations,” its imagery and the ideas that informed the work. The original painting connected to the sculpture will also be presented.
The sculpture represents family through an eagle family placed within a medicine wheel. Kitpu, the eagle, represents love, respect and protection. The medicine wheel carries teachings about the cycles of life, the seasons and the four directions. A double curved motif commonly used to represent Mi’kma’ki, the land of the Mi’kmaq people, L’nu’k, symbolizes the journey of life from birth to its end.
Positioned to face east, the sculpture greets the sunrise. Its imagery reflects Julien’s interest in hope, balance, healing and connection, themes that run through his contemporary Indigenous paintings and murals.
Julien is a member of Millbrook First Nation in We’kopekitk, Mi’kma’ki. A self-taught artist, he creates acrylic paintings, murals and public artworks for schools, institutions and shared spaces. His Mi’kmaw name, “Warrior on the Hill,” was given to him in his youth as he learned about the spiritual traditions of his people.
“We are honoured to have Lorne’s work become a permanent part of ARTSPLACE. This sculpture offers an opportunity to celebrate contemporary Mi’kmaq art and creates a lasting space for reflection, learning and connection,” said Sophie Paskins, gallery director.
The sculpture was funded through Arts Nova Scotia. Following the ceremony, ARTSPLACE will invite attendees inside for refreshments (chili including vegetarian option), and luskini’kin.
ARTSPLACE is a public art gallery at 396 St. George Street in Annapolis Royal, operated by the Annapolis Region Community Arts Council, a registered charitable, community organization dedicated to encouraging and promoting the arts. For more information, visit ARAC’s website.
