Yellowknife (Sep 25/06) - This week, a national treasure made his mark on the North.

Cree painter Allen Sapp, 77, was on hand for the opening of "Through the Eyes of the Cree and Beyond," an exhibition of his work at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre in Yellowknife.

Cree artist Allen Sapp and his wife, Margaret Sapp, sit before the opening of "Through the Eyes of the Cree and Beyond," an exhibition of Allen's work at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre in Yellowknife. - Adam Johnson/NNSL photo

Sapp is a member of the Order of Canada as well as the Royal Canadian Academy of Art. Also, according to organizers, he is the only living artist with a gallery dedicated to him, which can be found in his home town of North Battleford, Sask.

His importance was emphasized by those in attendance at the standing-room-only event, including Premier Joe Handley, Dene National Chief Bill Erasmus and Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Charles Dent.

"He helped our people and all who live in the country to understand and appreciate the people who live in the plains," Erasmus said. "To me, this is bridging cultures and bringing us together."

Speaking through an interpreter, Sapp thanked those in attendance, and told a story of his grandmother, who raised him on a farm in Saskatchewan. "She told me to keep doing paintings, at some point it will help the people and good things will happen to you."

The exhibit marked the re-opening of the museum, which has been closed since June for renovations. "It's a huge deal," said museum director Charles Arnold. "Normally we wouldn't be able to do this."

He said the large showing, featuring pieces dating back to the 60s, was broken down to fit in the gallery, in part at Sapp's insistence to take his works North.

Sapp paints his works with an impressionist flourish, full of rich colours and thick strokes. However, his paintings forgo the symbolism and density of modern painting for simplicity: these are scenes, portraits of a people as they once were, rendered with a photographer's eye.

Nowhere was this better demonstrated than in the audio-visual presentation that opened the show, featuring stories from elders, inspired by his works.

"When the lights go up, view the works of Allen Sapp, and find your own stories," said curator Dean Bauche.

"Through the Eyes of the Cree and Beyond" will be on display at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre.