Arts Programs
Anishnaabe Art Camp
Every year the OCF hosts the Anishnaabe Youth Summer Art Camp. The camp is held in various First Nations on Manitoulin Island and the north shore of Lake Huron. The camp gives participants the opportunity to learn from well -known Anishnaabe artists and traditional artisans in a beautiful natural setting. The camp is a blending of outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, canoeing, swimming, fitness exercises, traditional learning and art studies, with plenty of fruits and veggies and campfire food.
Our 2008 camp was particularly engaging for participants who were introduced to print making and tutored in the print making process by master print maker Ahmoo Angeconeb. Accomplished woodlands style artist Mark Seabrook conducted acrylic painting classes . Traditional Elder, Eddie King offered teachings on ancient Anishnaabe petroglyhs and Lenore Keeshig-Tobias provided story-telling sessions. The group was given a studio tour of noted woodlands artist Leland Bell’s creative space and attended a performance of “The Gift” an original stage play created and performed by the Debajehmujig Theatre group at the OCF amphitheatre.
The OCF is eagerly anticipating Art Camp 2009. The camp is open to youth from OCF member First Nations who have a keen interest in art and those that demonstrate artistic talent. For more information on the camp contact Alan Corbiere at (705) 377-4902 or alanc@ojibwecultural.ca
Emerging Artists Program
Since it’s inception the OCF has strived to bring to fore new and emerging Anishnaabe artistic talent. As part of this ongoing effort the OCF has dedicated space in the art gallery to regularly exhibit the work of new and upcoming talent in the visual arts. Recently the OCF provided woodlands artist Mary Pheasant, Ray Fox and Lance Migwans with the first public exhibition of their paintings. For new artists with more substantial bodies of work the OCF will promote and market the exhibit and artist in local media and provide free access to the OCF and it’s facilities for an opening night reception. Studio space adjacent to the gallery is also available for new artists who wish to work on site during their exhibition.
Exhibition Assistance
The OCF is a regional recommender in the Ontario Arts Council’s Exhibition Assistance Program. This program provides visual artists with financial assistance from $500 up to $1,500 for materials, framing and promotional costs related to presenting their work in a confirmed , upcoming exhibition. Application must be made to the OCF. In some cases assistance can be provided in preparing applications. For more information contact kate@ojibweculture.ca