Inuvik (July 28/03) - The Great Northern Arts Festival not only attracts art collectors, it is one also.

The society has 40 pieces in it's permanent collection from paintings to sculptures to original pieces of jewellery.

Whitehorse knife maker George Roberts shows off the white man side of his two-sided piece made out of whale bone. - Erin Fletcher/NNSL photo

The permanent collection is displayed in the society's offices in Inuvik where visitors can take a look at what the festival has to offer.

"It adds to the equity of the society, which is always beneficial," said executive director Darrin White.

During this year's festival White received a few more additions, including a whale bone sculpture made by Whitehorse knife maker George Roberts and Ame Papatsie, a painter and illustrator from Pangnirtung, Nunavut.

Roberts has been creating hand crafted knives for over 15 years. He uses everything from exotic wood to bone and fossilized mastodon for the handles.

Papatsie was born and raised in Pangnirtung and works there as a tour guide, designer and illustrator of children's books. This was his first time to the festival.

Roberts and Papatsie co-created the piece during their time in Inuvik.

The carving has an image of a man on both sides to represent the aboriginal and non-aboriginal cultures that live side-by-side in the three territories, said Roberts during the festival's closing ceremonies.

On one side is an aboriginal person with a traditional drum in one hand. The other side has a non-aboriginal person carrying two stone tablets of the 10 commandments.

"It's a really important one and we are thrilled to receive it," said White.

Although unique, the whale bone sculpture is not the most unusual piece in the collection.

White said a set of rings made by Ruben Komangapik of Iqaluit is the most unusual piece he's seen.

Each ring has a wolf claw set upright into it.

"When you wear the set of rings you have the appearance of wearing a set of paws," said White.

In addition to the carving, Roberts also gave White a hand carved limited edition Great Northern Arts Festival knife with a special inscription on it.

White was surprised by both gifts. He was especially speechless when he received the personal knife.

"The knife with the extra inscription was almost tear inducing," said White.