Ronathahonni opens new art gallery

Ronathahonni Cultural Centre welcomed the opening of the new art gallery to their facility on Kawehno:ke (Cornwall Island) on Feb. 12. The gallery was designed by the creative team of Barbara Arquette, Darren Bonaparte and Josh Sargent in what used to be a permanent exhibit. The theme is “The Next Generation”, and is the first art show of its kind to be held at the centre.

“Kawehno:ke can be isolating sometimes with the border issue and this way we can bring artwork to people who can enjoy it,“ said Bonaparte.

The room was remodeled by carpenters Frank Leaf, Benson Hopps and Josh Sargent to be a new gallery where different art pieces can be displayed. The gallery features artwork from paintings to pen and ink and hand crafted beadwork fans and carvings. Pieces were donated from established artists like Dave Fadden and Natasha Smoke-Santiago as well as students from Iohahiio showcasing their artwork for the first time.

“We are really proud of the students” said Arquette. “They were nervous at first to put their art on display but we have been getting some really good comments.”

The student artwork at the gallery has been described as having no restraint, bold and colorful. Viewing well-known artwork alongside student pieces makes an impressive statement about the direction of the future of Native artistry. The response from the community has been awesome and they would like to keep it going all the time and rotate new things in. You can check out the new art gallery at the Ronathahonni Cultural Centre on Kawehno:ke.

Photos by Mary La France