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INUVIK
It's the middle of the 24th annual Canadian North Great Northern Arts Festival.

Newton Grey, assistant general manager of Capital Suites and president of the Chamber of Commerce, discusses the business aspects of art and tourism with artist Myrna Button on Monday at the Midnight Sun Complex. - Danielle Sachs/NNSL photo

Running until Sunday, with workshops and nightly entertainment from screenings to live music, the event showcases art from regions across the North.

Starting July 13 with the opening ceremonies and the Inuvik Drummers and Dancers, the displays are constantly changing as art is bought and more pieces are brought in or finished by the artists on site.

But the rotating displays of jewelry, kamiks, baskets, beadwork and sculptures aren't the most important part of the festival, according to some residents.

Newton Grey, assistant general manager of Capital Suites and president of the Chamber of Commerce, said the festival is great because it truly shows what a special place Inuvik is.

"People come here for vacation and the festival shows them the people aspect," he said.

"It's really amazing, everything we have to offer."

Grey said there are ways to capitalize on cultural experiences and that people visiting Inuvik and the Beaufort Delta should have more than just one week to watch artists at work.

Grey had visited the festival three times between Friday and Monday and said his favourite part was walking through the workshops at the Midnight Sun Complex and the outdoor carving area.

"You can watch them work and it's just fantastic," said Grey.

"There should be workshops through the entire year, not just for a week."

From a business and tourism perspective, Grey thinks more people would visit Inuvik if they had a chance to view the artists at work more often.

"People are willing to share their knowledge," said Grey. "Even artists can learn from each other."

It's a view that Myrna Button, an artist based in Inuvik, agrees with.

"We have no other chances to share," she said.

"For some people, this is the only time to get out and learn from each other."

There also needs to be a venue where artists can sell their work full time, said Grey.

"One week is not enough. There should be more places and displays of art."

Button credits the workshops at the festival with helping artists make money from their craft and share their knowledge. Workshops included the sold-out seal skin mittens sessions, carving workshops and traditional drum making tutorials.

"You can prepare a kit for each student and know exactly how much you're going to make," said Button.

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