As winter approaches and outdoor activities transition indoors, Saskatoon's vibrant art scene offers the perfect cultural escape this November. Local galleries are showcasing remarkable exhibitions that explore Indigenous storytelling, Prairie history, and cooperative movements that shaped Canadian society.
Wanuskewin Galleries: Indigenous Art with Contemporary Twist
From November 15 to February 15, Wanuskewin Galleries will present Run to the Hills, a compelling exhibition by Anishinaabe artist Christian Chapman. The artist masterfully blends traditional Anishinaabe storytelling with pop culture references and contemporary Indigenous experiences, creating works that combine humor, critical commentary, and bold visual expression.
Curated by Dani Printup from Carleton University, the exhibition takes its name from one of Chapman's prints inspired by an Iron Maiden song. This particular piece powerfully conveys the weight of colonial history and the ongoing struggle for justice within Indigenous communities.
"Viewers will appreciate how Chapman honors the Woodland style tradition while also noticing the subtle ways he diverges from it aesthetically," Printup explained. "Using humor and storytelling to connect with the world has always been fundamental to our identity as Anishinaabeg, and Chapman's work demonstrates how powerful these connections remain today."
The exhibition opens with a special reception on November 15 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wanuskewin Heritage Park. Visitors can find additional information at wanuskewin.com.
Diefenbaker Canada Centre: Celebrating Cooperative Movements
In collaboration with the Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives, the Diefenbaker Canada Centre is currently hosting Community Powered: Celebrating Canadian Co-operatives until December 19. This comprehensive exhibition traces the history of cooperation in Canada from before Confederation to contemporary cooperative initiatives addressing modern challenges.
The display highlights significant cooperative movements including the Prairies' Wheat Pool, Inuit art production collectives, marketing cooperatives, and financial institutions that have served Canadian communities for generations. Visitors can explore cooperative history through diverse mediums including artwork, research materials, educational displays, and archival documents.
"This exhibition truly embraces the power of co-operation," said co-curator Helanna Gessner. "Every historical artifact and artistic piece on display was borrowed from organizational partners and community members to showcase Saskatchewan's rich cooperative heritage and its impact across Canada and globally."
The Diefenbaker Canada Centre is located at 101 Diefenbaker Place on the University of Saskatchewan campus. Detailed information about the exhibition is available at diefenbaker.usask.ca.
Indoor Cultural Exploration for Cooler Days
With temperatures dropping across Saskatchewan, Saskatoon's art galleries provide ideal destinations for cultural enrichment and community engagement. These exhibitions not only offer visual appeal but also serve as educational resources that deepen understanding of Indigenous perspectives and Canadian social history.
Both featured galleries present opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with important cultural narratives while supporting local artistic communities. The diverse range of artworks and historical displays ensures there's something to captivate every art enthusiast throughout November and beyond.
