Inuit Art Holiday Sale To Pop Up In The Heart Of Downtown Moncton
It is not always easy to find the perfect gift for the art lover in your life, especially when the festive season is in full swing. Enter John Lafford who is introducing Moncton to his dashing selection of Inuit sculptures from the Cape Dorset Inuit Art collection.
Coming to us from Sackville, N.B., Lafford has created a pop-up shop of his collection of Inuit sculptures for a special Holiday Sale at the Canvas Hotel, 55 Queen St. in Downtown Moncton for most of December. It is not to miss as every piece of certified authentic Inuit art is offered at a 20 percent discount to celebrate the collection being in Moncton for the very first time.
“I hope to share my love for the beauty of Inuit art with all Maritimers,” says Lafford. “This collection not only features one-of-a-kind works made by masters and newcomers alike, but it also communicates an entire way of life. I hope that the unique dimension of the art will resonate with collectors and gift buyers alike – it’s an opportunity to offer the gift of Cape Dorset this holiday season. ”
Lafford’s collection comprises many sculptures in a broad range of prices, starting at $60 and up to $6,000 and more, thus accommodating most budgets. Each of the sculptures has been handcrafted by an Inuit artist from Kinngait (previously Cape Dorset), the “Capital of Inuit Art”, and comes with the Igloo Tag that certifies its authenticity.
The Igloo Tag is a Canadian trademark created in 1958 by the federal government to protect Inuit art from copycats and mass-produced pieces that seek to make a profit from cultural appropriation. For six decades, Igloo Tag has protected the rights of Inuit artists and assured collectors their pieces are authentic. Since 2017, the rights to this trademark belong to the Inuit Art Foundation, allowing the Inuit artists to be in control of their own artistic representations.
Among the sculptures shown in Moncton are some from Ashevak Adla, the creator of Walking Bear and Diving Bear. Adla is a renowned Inuit artist who hails from a family of sculptors and who has studied other artists from his locale, contributing to his extensive knowledge of the craft. The rounded yet detailed forms he reveals in his sculptures make them uniquely recognizable and pleasing to the eye.
Also featured is a piece by sculpting veteran, Joanisie Manning, who is known for his soulful depiction of owls. Ning Ashoona carves graceful birds out of the stone. Emerging artists include Tony Ohutaq, whose minimalistic and imaginative depictions of bears are sure to catch your attention. Adamie Mathewsie pulls out bold and expressive shapes from stone. Samonie Shaa is known for his impeccable finishes. And Ottokie Samuayaillie infuses each sculpture with a playful spirit in a soft style.
Private viewings are available through reservation and people walking by the Canvas Hotel can also access the showroom without an appointment. Please note that it may be required to wait to respect the limited number of people allowed in an indoor space during this time.
Book a private viewing by contacting John Lafford at 506-364-7312 or by email at [email protected]
Visit capedorsetinuitart.ca for more details.