Dear Subscriber,
Thank you for subscribing to our monthly e-Newsletter, keeping you up to date on important events and happenings at the Museum of Inuit Art, southern Canada's public museum dedicated exclusively to Inuit art.
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What's On in April:
Nunavut Day, April 1
Celebrate Nunavut Day at MIA! The territory of Nunavut was officially created on April 1, 1999 - what better way to celebrate Nunavut's 12th anniversary than to learn about Inuit art and culture at MIA?
Family Activities
The MIA Educational Activity Centre is open for lots of new activities and crafts! All ages and abilities are welcome! A great way to enjoy the nicer weather - free with admission. Plus, for a limited time, complete any art activity and receive 25% off MIA's Colouring Book!
Saturdays 12-5pm Colouring Activity - Wall Hangings – Colour a beautiful and intricate wall hanging - inspired by traditional Inuit tapestries.
Sundays. 12-5pm Arctic Paper Animals – Colour, fold and cut - bring your very own arctic animal to life in paper!
MIA Kids Monthly Drawing Contest Winners
MIA is proud to announce the March winners of our monthly drawing contest!
Cynthia, 8, Owl:
Lily, 8, Dog Sleigh:
Eloise, 9, The Lonely Inukshuk:
Alice, 10, Inuit Culture: 
Congratulations to our winners! If you'd like to enter, visit MIA and submit a drawing!
Coming This Spring
New ExhibitionMIA is proud to announce that this spring, the museum will be hosting a special exhibition featuring early stone cut prints from Ulukhaktok (Holman), as well as the stone blocks from which they were made.  Print Block of Helen Kalvak, The Power of Amulets, 1987. Courtesy of Canadian Arctic Producers. Helen Kalvak, The Power of Amulets, 1987, Edition of 55
New Multi-Use Visible Storage Area
MIA is currently designing a brand-new multi-use visible storage space, allowing visitors to see the inner workings of the museum and a wider range of objects in the museum's collection. Complete with learning materials for children about conservation and repair, this area will be fully integrated into the museum and its programming.
Current Exhibitions and Installations
"Focus on..." Series
The Museum of Inuit Art presents three new “Focus On…” exhibitions. Each exhibition will explore a different material, artist, or theme in Inuit Art.
“Focus On…Birds in Inuit Art”. The most popular subjects in Inuit art, birds are very compelling images for many artists, who depict them in all media. They are frequently shown as participants in transformation and spirit imagery in Inuit sculptures, prints, drawings, and wall hangings.
In Photo: Abraham Etungat (1911-1999), Kinngait (Cape Dorset), Bird with Outstretched Wings 1985, Stone, Private Collection
“Focus On…Caribou Antler Sculpture”. Readily available, caribou antler is strong yet lightweight and can even be bent when heated, so it is versatile as a carving medium for art. Antler is often used in mixed-media works, and it’s branch-like tines make an ideal base for complex scenes. It also inspires many artists to create a variety of animal and spirit images.
In Photo: Harry Semigak (1963- ), Nain, Northern Couple 2009, Antler, stone and sinew, Private Collection
“Focus On …Lucy Tasseor Tutsweetok”. Tasseor’s semi-abstract stone carvings depicting her trademark faces and heads are easily recognizable. It is remarkable though, when you seen them a group, how distinct each work is from the next, and how the shape, hardness and features of the stone help to determine the differences in each piece.
In Photo: Lucy Tasseor Tutsweetok (1934-), Arviat (Eskimo Point), Untitled (Family) 1987, Stone, Private collection
Inuit Dwellings was curated especially for Doors Open Toronto and its 2010 theme of architecture, using both sculptures and prints. As well, the show features historic photos of dwellings of the past—igloos and their construction and a tupiq (summer hide tent)—as well as photos of modern day buildings in the Arctic.
In Photo: Daniel Weetaluktuk Museum, Inukjuak (Port Harrison) 2008, Photo credit: Ingo Hessel
These shows have been extended until further notice.
MIA Current Exhibitions
New Mattiusi Iyaituk Installation
In collaboration with La Fédération des cooperatives du Nouveau-Québec, MIA has created a new installation dedicated solely to the masterworks of renown Inuit artist, and current President of the Inuit Art Foundation, Mattiusi Iyaituk. Focusing on his abstract work, Iyaituk draws on personal experiences and stories to bring his pieces to life using materials such as muskox horn, caribou antler, animal hair, and stone. Come to MIA and explore the changes in Mattiusi's work over the past 30 years.
New Irene Avaalaaqiaq Installation
We invite you to visit our exciting new installation of artworks by prominent artist, Irene Avaalaaqiaq. The display, featuring works from Canadian Arctic Producers, displays inventive prints and drawings alongside skilfully crafted amauti (traditional Inuit parkas designed to carry a child) and stunning wall hangings. Avaalaaqiaq’s work has contributed significantly to the preservation of female crafting techniques and traditions. Her work explores the rich Inuit heritage of oral legends and spirituality. Do not miss out on this opportunity to experience the work of Irene Avaalaaqiaq!
Malaya Akulukjuk Special Exhibition
The Malaya Akulukjuk special exhibition is based on works generously donated to the Museum of Inuit Art. Malaya Akulukjuk (1915-1995) began to sculpt and draw in 1962 upon settling in Pangnirtung. Prior to that, she led a traditional life on the land. Well regarded as a talented and prolific artist in Pangnirtung, her drawings were often selected for images for prints and tapestries. The exhibition highlights her working drawings and wall hangings, and tapestries based on her drawings. Rumoured to be a Shaman, Malaya drew many images of transformation and fantastical creatures full of mystery – some of which are featured in the exhibition.
In Photo: Malaya Akulukjuk (1915-1995), Panniqtuuq (Pangnirtung), Untitled [Drum Dancing] c. 1973, Pentel on paper, Collection of the Museum of Inuit Art
This show has been extended until further notice.
Four Remarkable Museums: One Unbeatable Offer
 During the past years, MIA has collaborated with the Gardiner Museum and the Bata Shoe Museum to bring our guests a reciprocal admissions partnership. We are happy that Toronto's Design Exchange is now part of this unique experience. Pay regular admission at the Museum of Inuit Art, and get a special 2-for-1 price at the Bata Shoe Museum, the Gardiner Museum, and now the Design Exchange, Toronto’s finest specialty museums. Keep your receipt, and enjoy this offer within 7 days (including day of purchase). For details and links to these great museums, visit the MIA website. Special Admission Offers
Membership Renewals
The Museum of Inuit Art relies on the continuing support of its members to provide innovative and inspiring programming. Renewing your membership or buying a MIA membership as a gift are just two ways to contribute to this leading cultural institution. For further information on memberships and renewals, contact the museum at (416) 640-1571, or follow the link below. 2011 Memberships
Thank you for your ongoing support of the Museum of Inuit Art. Visit us during the month of April to take part in our weekend family activities, held Saturdays and Sundays between 12-5pm.
Regards,
Museum of Inuit Art
www.miamuseum.ca
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