Inuit and Dene art is popular throughout
the world and serious collectors can often identify
the community the piece was made in - simply from the
style of art. Types of art produced include prints,
carvings, beadwork, wall hangings, cards and jewelry.
When shopping for art, ask where the buying takes place
and how the artist is paid. The Co-op model ensures
the artist received a fair price for their work.
Many Co-ops were formed in the 60s to produce and market
traditional arts and crafts. In Sanikiluaq, then known
as the Belcher Islands, the Co-op mined soapstone, distributed
it to members, purchased the finished art and sold it
to the world through Canadian Arctic Producers. In 1970,
two families were sent to live at the camp and mine
the soapstone. In one year, they mined over 130,000
pounds of stone!
Today, we market Inuit and Dene on a retail basis through
4 Northern Images stores.
Wholesale art marketing is handled by Canadian
Arctic Producers.
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