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Exhibitions

Warm in Our Heritage:
Métis Gauntlet Mittens

This exhibition featured 14 gauntlets, created by Métis artists & community members from across BC through the Ministry of Culture, Heritage and Language's Northern Style Gauntlet Workshop Series. The series was taught by Métis artist Kaija Heitland.

Over the course of five sessions, participants learned how to adorn, construct and sew their gauntlet pieces by hand. Participants used commercially tanned moose hide, sinew, glass seed beads and furs to create stunning mitts. You will see that in some instances, the artists used caribou or reindeer hair tufts, ribbons, and silk embroidery to adorn their pieces.

Artists featured (in alphabetical order): Adele Arseneau, Alex Ibbotson, Amanda Unger, Brenda Dowedoff, Carly Nabess, Haley Bassett, Kaija Heitland, Linda McCullough, Lisa Moore, Mallory Blondeau, Mara Kersey, Melani Phillips, Mia Yule, Monique Courcelles, and Neesha Pooni.
More About Gauntlets
Gauntlets and gloves were essential clothing items for Métis people during frigid winter months. While these mittens are commonly found unadorned, particularly when used for utilitarian purposes, the pieces showcased in this exhibition defy convention by being exquisitely adorned. Each glove reflects the individual artist‘s unique style, yet all share the signature floral designs of the Métis.
Banner Image: Carrie Gabriele, 2023.