Public Opening Reception: Nelson White


Date: Jan 20
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Where: Level 3 Atrium
Opening Reception

Please join us for the opening reception for Nelson White: Tukien (Awaken)

Organized and circulated by the Confederation Centre Art Gallery and Grenfell Art Gallery, Memorial University of Newfoundland and LabradorCurators: Matthew Hills (Director/Curator, Grenfell Art Gallery, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador) and Pan Wendt (Curator, Confederation Centre Art Gallery)

Tukien (Awaken) maps a community of artists, creatives, activists, and leaders who defy simple and singular understanding of Indigeneity. Nelson White’s works celebrate the blending of the past, present, and future in contemporary Indigenous life – what he describes as “collective awakening.”

The reception will begin with an opening prayer by Elder Marjorie Muise, followed by special performances from Rebecca Sharr and the powwow drum group, Wape’k Muin.

Admission to the Art Gallery exhibitions will be free during the event. Refreshments will be available.

Image: detail of Reclaiming the Throne (Jordan Bennett, Artist, on Joey Smallwood’s Chair) (2019). Oil on canvas. Image courtesy of the artist.

 

Events & Programs

10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Playdate

Join us for a delightful morning at The Rooms!
Bring your little ones to our enchanting Harbour View Room for unguided playtime surrounded by an array of toys and books tailored for infants and toddlers aged 0 to 4.

No prior registration is necessary; simply pay your admission at The Rooms front desk and drop in anytime between 10:30 am and 12:00 pm! Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note that caregivers must accompany their children throughout the session. While our program room can accommodate up to 20 adults with their little ones, if it reaches capacity, we kindly ask caregivers to momentarily step back to make room for others to join in the fun.

The Playdate is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms Members.

With support from Thomas and Susan (Kent) Foran Family Foundation.

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Craft at Risk

Learn to make a traditional braided rug or mat from upcycled fabric!

Braided mats or rugs are made of a braid of three or more strips of cloth sewn or laced into an oval, round, or rectangle. No experience is necessary—suitable for beginners who can braid and sew. Participants will make a small mat that could be used as a trivet, table centerpiece, or even added onto to make a larger mat. Tools and materials are provided, but participants are welcome to bring a favourite sewing needle and fabric scissors. Braided rugs were listed as Endangered on the 2024 Craft at Risk List.

This workshop is presented with Heritage NL, an organization committed to preserving both the built and intangible cultural heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador. Heritage NL is a proud advocate for traditional skills and crafts and continues to spotlight the importance of passing on knowledge through initiatives like the Craft at Risk List (2021 & 2024).

Cost: $40 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Register online!

2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Tour

Peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador

Stroll across land and sea, and through time, to meet the peoples who have made Newfoundland and Labrador home for the past 9,000 years.

Each tour is approximately 30 – 40 minutes and is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms members.