Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Inuvik (July 20/01) - Artist Lyn Fabio of Whitehorse will never forget this year's Great Northern Arts Festival.

It marked the first time Fabio submitted a body of work in an arts festival. Moreover, most of her collection sold last Saturday, during the first day of sales at the gallery.

"I've been absolutely overwhelmed by the response I got to my work," Fabio said. "It's the first time I can easily say to people I'm an artist, and that has come from me being here."

Fabio was not the only artist to do well in sales, as on Saturday total sales were roughly $60,000, which was up about $18,000 from last year's record opening-day total.

This year's event opened last Friday and is being held at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex. More than 100 visual and performing artists are taking part.

Fabio, who also won a people's choice award Sunday for traditional arts, thanked those involved in the festival for giving her such incentive to keep going.

Benefits provided by the festival to artists and local residents alike was a common theme during the opening days of the festival.

Yellowknife artist Bill Nasogaluak said he's taken part in the festival since 1989, but each year it feels like it's the first time.

"It's phenomenal, the energy and the appreciation for art in this area. It's so much higher than I've seen anywhere," Nasogaluak said.

Whitehorse artists Sheila Alexandrovich said that despite the fact that community has a lot more people than Inuvik, it doesn't have an arts festival at all like the GNAF.

"I feel celebrated here as an artist like nowhere else, and I really value this," Alexandrovich said.

"At this point, it's the highlight of my year, coming here."

Alexandrovich said the festival is a great chance for artists to meet, become friends, and exchange ideas.

Artist Wayne Keefe of Hay River called the festival "a great gathering of creative minds."

Speaking during a reception Monday evening, Matthew Nuqingaq of Iqaluit agreed that the friendships formed here are what he missed most about three years ago when he decided to take in an arts festival in Toronto instead of Inuvik's.

Nuqingaq prompted laughter when he said he thought the Toronto event would be like the one here. He said the GNAF, and the friends he meets here, energizes him for the year.

Going global

During Monday's reception carver Gustavo Clavijo of Mexico spoke of when he first contacted GNAF officials about submitting work. He said they were at first reluctant to open up the festival to artists from outside Canada, but that they changed their minds.

"It's my first experience in this kind of festival," said Clavijo, explaining that other events he's been to don't match the friendliness here.

Festival director Tanya Van Valkenburg thanked Clavijo and said he represents the spirit of the GNAF.

"You came from far away and knew hardly anybody, and just have completely gotten into the spirit of it, participating everywhere, sharing, so we're just so happy to have you," Van Valkenburg said.

During opening ceremonies last Friday, artistic director Marilyn Dzaman noted the presence this year of Clavijo, as well as participants from Alaska and Scotland.

"We've gone from a community of communities in the North to a global village. And this is really exciting for us," Dzaman said.

Purpose unchanged

A number of dignitaries spoke during opening ceremonies. NWT Commissioner Glenna Hansen noted that while the festival has grown in size since its beginnings, its purpose is still the same -- for artists to learn from each other.

Nellie Cournoyea, chair of the Inuvialuit Regional Corp., said she was proud of the fact she knows many of the Delta artists who have works on display at the festival.

Inuvik Mayor Peter Clarkson said the festival is perhaps the premiere event for the year for the town, and congratulated the organizers for doing a good job.

Fred Carmichael, president of the Gwich'in Tribal Council, also addressed the audience. "You're bringing your culture to the world," he said. "You should be proud of that."

And Miki O'Kane, director of the Inuvik campus of Aurora College, noted that the college has held some kind of art program for several years.

"I'm very proud to see the work of many of our students here," O'Kane said.

The festival wraps up Sunday with awards and closing ceremonies, starting at 5:30 p.m.

People's Choice award winners:

Carving: Paul Qayutinnuaq; Flat work (tie): Joyce Majski and Natalie Parenteau; Jewelry (tie): Sheila Alexanderovich and Lara Melnik; Traditional Arts: Lyn Fabio.