Jason Unrau
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Nov 14/05) - Students in Aurora College's traditional arts and crafts program displayed their talent and creativity at the Caribou Learning Centre earlier this month.

The exhibition of crafts was a preview of the annual Craft Fair, which will be held Nov. 18.

The display featured a wide selection of student projects completed since the program began in September.

"It's been a lot of fun and I'm really enjoying the course," said student Lilian Wright of Fort McPherson, while she sewed a tote bag with Delta braid.

"And with students from so many places, we're sharing a lot of ideas."

Course instructor Margaret Nazon said she's trying to get the students to think outside the box, while incorporating traditional design ideas and inspiration.

"Mitts usually have a floral arrangement and I said I'd prefer to see something different," said Nazon.

Her students responded by producing an array of mitt designs featuring animals or insects.

"Some students stuck with the flowers, though," she said.

Another way Nazon is attempting to inspire is through an interesting research project, where students seek out a traditionally-crafted item not produced any more and go about recreating it.

For Wright, this meant looking back at the design for a pointy-toed moccasin decorated with porcupine quills or moose tufting, which has since been replaced by the round-toed moccasin typically adorned with beads.

Other students in the program are taking a parka-making unit.

The Craft Fair kicks off at Sir Alexander Mackenzie school gym on Friday, Nov. 18.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the fair continues through the weekend, Saturday, Nov. 19, from 12 to 6 p.m and Sunday, Nov. 20, from 12 to

4 p.m.