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Exhibitions
Holding Heritage:
Métis Wall Pocket Exhibition

Sharing Practices, Celebrating Art

This exhibition features 12 wall pockets created by Métis artists from across British Columbia. All artists in this exhibition were participants of a Métis wall pocket workshop series taught by artist Gregory Scofield and hosted by Métis Nation of British Columbia's (MNBC) Ministry of Culture, Heritage and Language. Over four months in virtual workshops, participants learned about the history of wall pockets and how to create and sew a wall pocket by hand. The wall pockets are constructed with a base of melton wool stroud and canvas.

Artists featured (in alphabetical order): Adele ᒪᐢᑿᓱᐤᐏᐢᑵᐤ Arseneau, Amanda Anderson, Amber Rattlesnake, Brigette Furlonger, Dominique Ring, Faith Wandler, Lisa Shepherd, Lynette La Fontaine, Mallory Blondeau, Mara Kersey, Maxine Adshead, Michelle Douglas.

Decorative Utility in Métis Art

Wall pockets are a household accessory that not only decorate a room, but also provide a storage space for small items. Métis artists spent many hours embellishing practical items with the distinct style of Métis needlework. Historically, items like these intricately adorned wall pockets were coveted souvenir items that could be sold to help supplement a family’s income, in addition to their personal uses as decor or gifts.

Artists in this exhibition used a variety of materials and heritage practices

These wall pockets feature Métis floral beadwork, silk embroidery, and caribou hair tufting, with some examples combining multiple techniques in one piece.

Banner Image: Carrie Gabriele, 2023.