WAG Hosts Sought-After Inuit Print Collection

Winnipeg, Manitoba, October 13, 2015: The Winnipeg Art Gallery’s Gallery Shop is pleased to present the highly anticipated 56th Annual Cape Dorset Print Collection. Released once a year, the coveted prints go on sale at venues across the country on Saturday, October 17, including the WAG for the first time.

The WAG will open its doors early to accommodate the 10am start time with a mimosa reception until noon. All prints are framed and available for purchase until November 15.

Located on the southern tip of Baffin Island with just 1,300 residents, Cape Dorset is hailed as the most artistic community in Canada and the undisputed capital of Inuit art. Each year, the art created at Kinngait Studios is distributed through the Dorset Fine Arts international network of galleries. This wealth of activity is highlighted by the annual release.

For 56 years, Kinngait and Dorset Fine Arts has provided a global community with this selection of extraordinary works in lithography, etching, stone cut, stencil, and screen print. The 2015 collection includes 31 prints with exceptional work by Saimaiyu Akesuk, Kudluajuk Ashoona, Shuvinai Ashoona, Ettusa Kingwatsaiq, Qavavau Manumie, Ohotaq Mikkigak, Cee Pootoogook, Malaija Pootoogook, Pitaloosie Saila, Nicotye Samayualie, Ningeokuluk Teevee, and Papiara Tukiki.

“The Winnipeg Art Gallery is honoured to host the 56th Annual Cape Dorset Print Collection,” states Dr. Stephen Borys, WAG Director & CEO. “The creative hub of Cape Dorset is unlike anywhere else. The WAG features many Cape Dorset artists in its Inuit art collection, the largest of its kind in the world. It’s a natural fit to host this sale.”

The WAG holds in trust the world’s largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art. Using the art as a vehicle, the creation of the Inuit Art Centre allows the WAG to further celebrate and engage with Inuit and Indigenous cultures through exhibition, research, education, and art making. It will also house the WAG’s nationally recognized Studio art and learning program.

For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Catherine Maksymiuk
Manager, Media & Marketing
Winnipeg Art Gallery
204.789.1767
Media-Manager@wag.ca

Tammy Sawatzky
Public Relations Coordinator
Winnipeg Art Gallery
204.789.1295
Publicrelations@wag.ca

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