Sheila Orr's artwork Returning Tainted Gifts, 1999, was recently donated to SK Arts' Permanent Collection by the estate of Orr’s friend and former co-worker, Carolyn Cardinal. The mixed-media work captures Orr's signature dreamscape vision style and consists of a miniature bark canoe – anchored by bear claws – that is filled with stacks of bound wool blankets. The canoe is floating in front of a painted aerial view of Canada's east coast. The artwork was conserved to remove dust, dirt and smoke residue upon donation before being placed in a protective custom-built Plexiglas box and frame, a process that took almost two years.
Julia Krueger, Registrar at SK Arts, says the piece is an excellent example of Orr's aesthetic as she is known for incorporating various materials within a single work.
If you asked a group of rural students what an artist is, you might get many different answers. “‘Artist’ can be a vague idea to students—something we see in movies or in books, but not often in real life in a small town,” says Deadra Oblander, a teacher at Bulyea Elementary School. Fortunately, students in the community recently had the opportunity to work with Regina artist Shaunna Dunn on a special project funded by an Artists in Schools—Projects Grant from SK Arts.
“The project allowed students to work with a practicing artist and develop their creative skills. Shaunna’s answers and methods were different than those of ‘regular’ teachers, which allowed students to learn and develop in new ways,” says Oblander.
SK Arts is saddened to hear of the passing of eminent Saskatchewan sculptor and arts educator Victor Cicansky. Vic was an influential art community figure whose work has left an enduring mark on the art world, particularly for his distinguishable garden-produce sculptures. His work and contributions to the field, alongside other renowned artists like Wilfe Perreault and the late Joe Fafard, will inspire future generations.
SK Arts is fortunate to be a part of preserving Cicancsky's work and is home to 17 pieces – from 1967 to 2019 – in the Permanent Collection.
Image of Victor Cicansky sculpture, The Pantry Shelf, 1979, SK Arts Permanent Collection
