LAC LA BICHE - Various works of art created by students in Portage College’s Native Arts and Culture program were available for purchase at a special Christmas art sale that took place at the Lac La Biche campus early last week.
During the event, the public had an opportunity to browse and buy Indigenous-themed earrings, jewelry, clothing, and other items.
In addition to giving students an avenue to display and sell their works, the art sale, says Lana Gal, a recent graduate of the Native Arts program who currently serves as a facilitator, is also designed to teach them business skills. The sale, she said serves as a way to highlight the talents of the artisans and also to offer them hands-on experience in the business side of the artistic careers they are pursuing.
Gal says the Native Arts program offers a business side to second-year students in the two-year program. She added that this is part of the practical application that is taught.
“If you were in a retail setting, it’s not necessarily just your items that you’re working with,” she told Lakeland This Week. “So, it teaches you to handle money and other people’s items as well.”
The art sale offered many unique items, giving those attending a wide range of choices.
Sabrina Cardinal, a second-year student in the program, produced studded earrings, dangly earrings, hair-ties, bracelets and other items to be put on display and for sale at the event.
Cardinal, who is from Calling Lake, enjoys studying in the Native Arts program and plans to pursue a career in the field upon graduation. She aims to have her own studio to make her creations in.
“I love that I get to be creative…I get to bring things to life that I imagine…working with my hands…keeping busy,” she said.
Proceeds from the sales went back to the student-artists.
