The MacKenzie Art Gallery in Regina, Saskatchewan’s oldest art museum, has been gifted more than 1000 works of contemporary art by artists of First Nations, Metis, Inuit, Native American, and Indigenous ancestry. Collectors Thomas Druyan and Alice Ledner, who are based in Edmonton, have pledged to donate the works of art over a three-year period.
Ningeokuluk Teevee (Canadian, Inuit, Cape Dorset) Legend of Qalupalik. Image by MacKenzie Art Gallery/Thomas Druyan, Alice Ladner
The Kampelmacher Memorial Collection of Indigenous Art, named in honour of Druyan’s grandparents Wolf and Sala Kampelmacher, began in 1992 and includes works from Mi’kmaw artists, Woodland School artists and art produced in all four regions of Inuit Nunangat (Nunatsiavut in Labrador, Nunavik in Northern Quebec, Nunavut, and the Inuvialuit Settlement Region of the Northwest Territories), as well as in Greenland.
“This collection is named for my grandparents of blessed memory, who immigrated to Canada in 1969, because I want to give back to the country that welcomed us at our time of need,” Druyan said. “We can think of no better way to do so than with a gift that reflects the cultural diversity of these lands—and by giving them to an institution where we feel confident they will be shared with the public in a wide range of exhibitions and educational programs.”
Allen (Ahmoo) Angeconeb (Canadian ,Anishinaabe/Ojibway), Wolves Looking Out of Den. Image by MacKenzie Art Gallery/Thomas Druyan, Alice Ladner
A selection of works from the collection is touring as part of the MacKenzie’s Provincial Touring Artists and Exhibition Program and additional pieces will be on view at the Gallery beginning 25 January, 2019. Among the artists represented in the Kempelmacher Memorial Collection are Allen Angeconeb, Joane Cardinal-Schubert, Qavavau Manumie, Pitalousie Saila, and Ningeokuluk Teevee.
“Thomas and Alice are visionary collectors, who bring a rare sensitivity and desire to understanding how different artists develop their skills, as well as how these works relate to the artist’s own community and its traditions,” said Anthony Kiendl, the museum’s executive director and CEO. “Just as importantly, they understand that this collection will engage the next generation of audiences and scholars—a commitment we share.”
Pitalousie Saila (Canadian, Inuit, Cape Dorset), Spring Morning. Image by MacKenzie Art Gallery/Thomas Druyan, Alice Ladner
The MacKenzie Art Gallery has a strong history of working with Indigenous artists, curators and communities – not only from the Americas but from Australia, New Zealand and Scandinavia too. Founded in 1953, the gallery is primarily concerned with historical and contemporary Canadian art. It features a permanent outdoor sculpture garden, populated by Canadian sculptor Joe Fafard’s famous bronzed cows, and hosts rotating and special exhibitions.
Joane Cardinal-Schubert (Canadian Káínawa), My Mother’s Vision: The Warshirt Series. Image by MacKenzie Art Gallery/Thomas Druyan, Alice Ladner
“I am happy that our collection is going to reside at the MacKenzie Art Gallery, which has been a leader not only in showcasing works by Indigenous artists, but also in promoting Indigenous curatorship,” Druyan said. “In addition, the MacKenzie has an ongoing relationship with the University of Regina, and has an outreach program with schools and institutions across the province. Therefore, the works in our collections will be accessible to scholars and the public, rather than collecting dust in storage.”
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