Narwhal Composition

Here is a piece that I purchased more than a year ago (summer 2022). Yet another Inuit piece acquired from the Dennos Museum, in Traverse City, Michigan, while on vacation in the area. The title: Narwhal Composition, the artist: Kakee Ningeosiaq, the medium: carved stone (serpentine and caribou antlers), size: 11″ x 8″ x 6.” This particular piece requires no wall space, but rather table or countertop space — a much easier space to find and utilize, although this space is becoming scarce in my apartment as well. This was a rather unique piece for me (a cluster of whales as opposed to a single animal) — most of my other Inuit sculptures are solitary figures, but this one just jumped off the shelf and grabbed my heart rather quickly. Alas, I am weak, but I never have regrets when art purchases are involved.

Watchful Spirit!

Here is the second print that I acquired from last year’s (2022) Cape Dorset Annual Print Collection exhibition and sale that took place at the Dennos Museum in Traverse City, Michigan. The collection had 34 prints by 15 artists and I was fortunate to be able to acquire more than one print. The title: Watchful Spirit, the artist: Qavavau Manumie, the medium: Stonecut and Stencil, the size: 13” x 16.3.” This one is not so large that I had to worry about where I was going to hang it, but my available space continues to dwindle until I can come up with a safe and easy way to hang/display from my ceiling. Until then . . . I’m making do.

Adorned Walruses!

Every year the Dennos Museum in Traverse City, Michigan, hosts the Cape Dorset Annual Print Collection exhibition and sale. “While the traditional styles and subjects of Kinngait printmaking are still popular among collectors, Inuit artists are becoming increasingly interested in creating art that reflects today’s reality in the Arctic. In this collection of 34 prints by 15 artists, we have a diverse array of themes and techniques that showcase each artist’s individual voice.” (from the Museum’s website.)  Here is the first print (of two) that I was able to acquire at last year’s event (2022) . The title: Adorned Walruses, the artist: Pauojoungie Saggiak, the medium: Etching and Aquatint, the size: 24” x 29.” I look forward to this event every year (I don’t always acquire a print, but I certainly give it the old college try each year.

Inuit Art!

Loon in Flight

Alrighty then, here is a print (stonecut and stencil) that I picked up when I was in Michigan this last summer.  The artist: Kananginak Pootogook (from Cape Dorset), the print, “Loon in Flight.”   I have not had the chance to get this one framed (so it is not yet gracing one of my walls), but will look to get this done some time after the first of the year.

If Inuit Art appeals to you, next time you are in Traverse City, Michigan, stop by and visit the Dennos Museum Center (on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College) they have a wonderful collection of Inuit Art (sculpture as well as print).  But if Michigan is too far for you to travel, you can certainly purchase the art  from their museum store!

How It All Began . . . This One is Special.

It all started with my Dad.  Dad was the Director of the Library at Northwestern Michigan College, in Traverse City, Michigan, where they had an Annual Inuit Art Show (and sale).  He would use the proceeds from the sale to purchase pieces for the college’s collection since the early 1960s. 

Well, Dad eventually retired, but the college had amassed such an exquisite collection of Inuit Art that a museum had to be built to house this permanent collection.  The Dennos Museum officially opened on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College in 1991.  For more information, visit their web site: http://www.dennosmuseum.org/exhibitions/inuit/

So I guess you could say my art collecting, much like my profession, is in my blood.  Here’s the first piece acquired that launched the start of my collection (a college graduation gift from my parents).

The artist: Garry Meeches.  The animals: Musk Oxen (not quite the American Bison, but a close relative).  The result: love at first sight.  Enjoy!

Protecting Circle