CARRYING ON ABORIGINAL ART EXHIBIT
Substantial Portage Presence

Lac La Biche, June 23, 2016. Portage College students from the Native Arts and Culture Program (NAC) will have their crafts on display this summer at an exhibition in Edmonton. Carrying On, a new project and opportunity for Aboriginal artists, is being held at the Alberta Craft Council Discovery Gallery from June 18^th - July 23^rd. The exhibition focuses on cultural awareness and reconciliation and features colourful bags, pouches and other containers created by Alberta Aboriginal artists.  

Four of the nine artists featured in Carrying On have ties to the college. Three are 2016 NAC graduates and one is a former student from 1988 who later became an instructor in the same program.  

"We are pleased to have so many alumni showcasing their talents," said Dr. Trent Keough, President & CEO of Portage College. "They are an excellent group to represent our College on the provincial stage. We are very proud of them and their accomplishments."  

How the students learned of the opportunity involves a magical bit of serendipity. As they were touring several Edmonton museums and art galleries on April 21, NAC Instructor Pierre Oberg ran into someone he knew from the Alberta Craft Council Gallery who told the group about Carrying On.  

"We quickly realized that our students should apply to have their crafts featured in the exhibition," said Oberg. "It's very authentic what happens here at Portage and our students' work definitely captures the spirit of Carrying On. The Alberta Craft Council Discovery Gallery definitely recognized how special it is."  

Our students will be present at the artist reception on June 25 from 2-4 p.m. at the Alberta Craft Council Discovery Gallery to answer questions. Please also note the attached documents describing the exhibition as well as descriptions of the crafts submitted by our 2016 graduates.