Artists Form Akwesasne Artist Guild

On January 18, 2013 the St. Regis Recreation Center was host to a large number of people who met to discuss the formation of an Artist Guild. Historically, a guild was a group of artists, masons, carpenters and glass workers who controlled the practice of their crafts in a particular town. The earliest guilds were organized in a manner something between a trade union, a cartel and a secret society. The concept of an ancient guild still exists today in the form of a lifetime progression of apprentice to craftsman, journeyman and eventually a widely recognized “Master and Grandmaster.” Modern guilds still exist around the world and all hold the same simple premise: to support the craft of those who are members, from the present day Screen Actors Guild in Hollywood to an Artist Guild in nearly every major city and small towns around in the world.

Charlotte King has given the thought of forming an Artist Guild in Akwesasne a lot of consideration. Arriving with a clear agenda, a vision for the future of an Akwesasne artist, and corn soup and fried bread, she had the foundation of a great Artist Guild in her pocket. King has been a painter for as long as she can remember, but throughout the years working as an artist has proven to be difficult at best. There is a lack of space to work, critical review and a venue to show her work.

At least 21 artists arrived with ideas and suggestions and many of the same concerns King had about being an artist in Akwesasne. She envisioned a place where artists can create art, show their artwork and receive much needed critique for their work from other artists. Her vision also includes a place to possibly attend an art class, grab a sandwich at the café, take a look in the art gallery, buy a gift in the gift shop and finally stop in for the meeting to plan for the yearly art festival that people look forward to each year. Oh and don’t forget to buy art supplies in the art supply store. It could become a place where people can expect it, in a high traffic place. With more than one thing going on at an Akwesasne Artist Guild, people are more likely to patronize it. Besides an artist studio, workspace and a small café, local artists expressed the need for woodworking, pottery and carving workspaces, a print shop, as well as the necessary office space.

Also discussed was working with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Economic Development offices and how they can assist and support the Akwesasne Artist Guild. As well, the Akwesasne Museum and Native North American Traveling College expressed an interest in assisting the artists by providing gallery space. The possibility of collecting yearly membership fees, who can become members of the guild and the formation of a formal board, were just some of the topics talked about.

Each artist introduced themselves and gave a bit of their background, many sharing the same challenges of not enough workspace and lack of proper gallery space to show their work. Each artist was unique in their work and style, and part of the discussion centered on developing their own Akwesasne Haudenosaunee art style that reflects our Onkwehonwe heritage. Some artists were just starting out and a few were well established in their own right. All were receptive to the idea of this Guild.

MCA’S Community Support Program sponsored this meeting as part of an initiative to assist clients who are artists. They are proposing a future workshop on “How to promote yourself as an artist and increase sales.” Representatives from the Canadian Artists Representation carfac.ca will speak on the topic of inspiring artists who are making a living with their art. The workshop needs a minimum of 30 people to meet requirements for it to happen. If you are interested you can contact Charlotte King at charlotte.king@akwesasne.ca. The next Akwesasne Artist Guild meeting is planned for February 3, 2013. Please check local announcements for more information.