Arviat (Sep 22/03) - Inuit artisans from Arviat had the chance to compare notes with master carvers from Cape Dorset and Yellowknife this past month.

The Inuit in Stone project brought 13 Arviat artists together with Kiawak Ashoona of Cape Dorset and Goota Ashoona, formerly of Cape Dorset, who now resides in Yellowknife.

The artists ranged in age from 17 to 77 and in skill level from student to master carver.

Project co-ordinator Nicholas Arnalukjuak said each carver was special in their own right and the diversity of their work was quite impressive.

"We had one carver (Kiawak) who created a walrus tusk etching on a base, using only his axe and a pocketknife," said Arnalukjuak.

"Another (Marc Alikaswa) carved a mother-and-child figure using only an axe and a file, while student carver Harry Manilak created a very impressive polar bear."

The Inuit in Stone project attracted interest from buyers from as far away as Germany and the U.S.

During its five-week duration, hundreds of local residents, political heads and visitors to the community dropped by to watch the artists apply their craft.

The Inuit in Stone project was backed by the Hamlet of Arviat, the local District Education Authority, Qitiqliq high school and Kivalliq Partners in Development.

Arnalukjuak said the project participants held a public showing at the Mark Kalluak Hall to wrap up the event.

He said the work produced by the student carvers was presented to council for permanent display in the hamlet office.

"One of the highlights of the project, to me, was during the final week when students from both the elementary and secondary schools

came to meet the carvers.

"The students got to see many of the carvings that were completed and mingle with the carvers.

"You could see they enjoyed the experience and that may someday prove to be good for the future of carving in Arviat."