The works in this exhibition were collected by Dr. H.G Jones on his travels to Nunavut which celebrated its inauguration as a new territory separate from Canada’s Northwest Territories in April 1999. The territory represents more than one-fifth of Canada’s land mass and is home to most of the country’s Inuit population. In addition to being representative of contemporary Inuit art, the works presented center around the theme of traditional drumming and dancing. Along with their artistic merit, these works serve to document and preserve an important part of Inuit heritage.
Top to bottom: 1. Drummer by Andrew Qappik (1992). Stencil on Arches paper. From the collection of Dr. H.G. Jones. Photo credit: Brook Greene. 2. Drumming Dancer by Iola Abraham Ikkidluak. Yellowish green serpentine with bone drum and striker. From the collection of Dr. H.G. Jones. Photo credit: Brook Greene. 3. Distant Drums installation view. 4. Distant Drums installation view.
The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts wishes to extend a very warm thank you to Dr. H.G. Jones for his willingness to share his articulate collection with us and for agreeing to participat in this exhibition. The Center also extends its gratitude to Al and Patty Wheeler for introducing the Turchin Center to Dr. Jones and his collection.
We extend our thanks to our Exhibition Practicum Students: Candice Paulk, Lindsay Roberts, Megan Phillips, Taylor Leaf, and Clare Evans; Work Study students; Sarah McLean, Jennifer Livingston, and Esther Houser; TCVA front Desk Staff: Ingrid Hayes; and our colleagues in the Office of Arts & Cultural Programs; a special thank you to OACP’s Marketing Director, Megan Hayes, for all of her hard work and support in making this exhibition a success; Dr. Gayle Weitz, TCVA Community Arts School Coordinator, and our workshop leaders for their important contributions to educational programming.
From Hank T. Foreman, Director & Chief Curator; Brook Greene, Assistant Curator; and Tasha Nunn, Program Assistant; a very heart felt thank you to all of you who have assisted in making this exhibition a reality.