OHSWEKEN — A virtual Indigenous art contest highlighting the creative works of Indigenous people from across Canada has distributed $10,000 in prizes to artisans this month.
The event, organized by Garlow Media and hosted by Two Row Times, invited artists to submit original creative works to a Facebook page for sharing and judging.
“We intended for this initially to be a big in person event, but alas the pandemic had plans of its own for the world at this time,” said organizer Nahnda Garlow.
Funding for the contest prizes was sponsored by the Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation.
Garlow announced prize amounts for each category were doubled, with two new categories added for Group and Judge Favourites.
“We were also able to add participation prizes for every single person who entered the Art Slam and didn’t place. $100 for Adults and $50 for Teens/Youth/Tots,” said Garlow. “Congratulations to all winners and all participants! Please, please keep being the indigenous makers, creators, doers, actors, singers, dancers, thinkers, sayers and writers that this planet needs.”
Winners List
Adults
1 – Nikki Shawana – Strawberry Star Quilt
2 – W. Gail LaForme – Tadadaho Sculpture
3 – Marie Annette – Beadwork
4 – Doug Henhawk – Carved Turtle Rattles
5 – Courtney Elizabeth – Cradleboard and Mossbag
Teens
1 – Hanajahewi Thomas – Drag Looks
2 – Frankie Warner – sketches
3 – Sydney Bomberry – various
4 – Sierra Green – beadwork
Youth
1 – Kiana Powless – Girl on Skates
2 – Gavin Hill – rose drawings
3 – Kia Blackbird – ribbon skirts and quilts
4 – Lyla Shae – dance and paintings
5 – Haohye:nes Henry – Paintings and mask
Tiny Tots
Iakonhnhi:io Maracle – Drawing of mother earth
Leo Anderson, Clay sculptures
Judges Favourite – Kianna Powless – Girl on Skates
Group Favorite – Hanejahawi Thomas Drag Looks
