Former Nor-Art gallery manager Margaret Nazon at her sewing machine in Inuvik.

Jason Unrau
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 12/05) - Local artist Margaret Nazon said goodbye to her job as manager of the Nor-Art gallery in Yellowknife last week.

"It's been a learning experience," said Nazon, who was more accustomed to creating art than marketing it before she took the job last year.

"I'm glad to be coming home though, I missed Inuvik and my fish camp (in Tsiighetchic)."

Though Nazon won't be home in time to smoke any fish this summer, she will be able to plan her lessons for the upcoming Traditional Arts and Crafts certificate program offered at Aurora College's Inuvik Campus beginning this semester. Nazon will teach the program's sewing module, covering basic stitching, sewing machine work and possibly some embroidery.

While Nazon's latest passion is creating "painted quilts," she is also well-known for her fashion designs, which incorporate contemporary clothing with traditional embroidery and bead work.

"Margaret was selected to instruct the program because of her wealth of experience," said Marja Van Nieuwenhuyzen, chair of community programs for the college.

Nazon may teach workshops in other communities throughout the Beaufort-Delta, as well.

- with files from Daron Letts