Black History Month -- Artist Spotlights

February is Black History Month in Canada, a time to recognize and celebrate the rich history, contributions, and achievements of Black Canadians. 

This year, we’re highlighting some amazing Black artists, musicians and creatives who are making waves in Canada and beyond!

June Clark

“Born in Harlem in 1941, moved to Toronto in the 60’s. Working in photography, sculpture, and collage, she’s known internationally for her installations and interventions.” (Parris, 2018)

Click here for more information. 

Joan Butterfield

A Canadian artist who creates photo artistry, acrylic pours, and life-sized artworks that celebrate black culture and heritage.

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Robert Small

Artist Robert Small has been creating Black History Month posters for more than a quarter of a century. As Adrian Ghobrial reports, Small created the works to educate himself and others about Black history in Canada.

CityNews (2021, February 8). Exploring Black History Through Art. (602) Exploring Black history through art - YouTube

Click here for more information.

Portia White

Portia White was the first Black Canadian concert singer to win international acclaim. She was considered one of the best classical singers of the 20th century. Her voice was described by one critic as “a gift from heaven.”

photo by Yousuf Karsh, courtesy Library and Archives Canada / PA-192783

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Celebrate the amazing Black Canadian artists and their awesome creations!

Black History is about celebrating resilience, creativity, and community. By sharing stories, we honour the voices that helped build Canada into the amazing place it is today!

Learning Commons

Come up to the learning commons and borrow a book from our display. These are just some of the books in our collection that are written by Black authors. 

By Ariane Reyes

Art Exhibit in the Conference Room

Correction vs. Punishment : The Search for Love and Understanding

by Tamara Leanne Cardinal

Artist Statement

Correction vs. Punishment is a life-sized sculpture of an eagle made from handmade paper. It is based on Indigenous teachings that say there are two sides to every eagle feather. One side reminds us that everyone makes mistakes. The other side reminds us that we can learn, take responsibility, and make things right. 

In many Indigenous teachings, solving problems is not about punishing people. It is about helping people understand what happened, fixing what was hurt, and bringing things back into balance. This way of thinking helps communities stay strong and caring. 

The eagle was part of an exhibition called Presence, which was about how people share spaces and how those spaces can feel welcoming or unwelcoming. In Canada, Indigenous peoples experienced injustices for a very long time, and many shared spaces did not feel safe or welcoming for them. This artwork helps us remember that history, and think about how we can and need to do better today. 

The eagle is made from paper, which is gentle and fragile. This reminds us that trust and relationships need care. When people listen to each other and work together, healing can happen.  

This artwork asks all of us, in families, communities, schools, and everyday life, to think about how we treat others when mistakes happen. It reminds us that making things right is something everyone can practice, every day. 

Artist Bio

Tamara Lee-Ann Cardinal is a mixed-media, large scale installation artist and community activist. Born in Treaty 6 Territory, her ancestral roots are Nêhiyaw (Saddle Lake Cree Nation) and of mixed European descent. She has been a visitor to Otôskwanihk (Calgary, AB) since 2009. Graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture from the Alberta University of the Arts in 2015, Cardinal has been a recipient of the National BMO 1st Art! Award, the Alberta Foundation for the Arts Young Artist Award, the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Emerging Artist Award, and, more recently, the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal. Cardinal has been an active member in the urban Indigenous community in Treaty 7 Territory, activating many social service positions throughout the years. Cardinal is a full-time student attending Mount Royal University's Psychology program, and has been a Public Art Project Lead through Calgary Arts Development since January 2024.

Come up to the Learning Commons Conference Room to see this exquisite artwork!

New Art in the Learning Commons

Fill your well with art in the Learning Commons!

As a Learning Through the Arts school, our Fill Your Well gallery space in the Learning Commons regularly features art loaned to us by Canadian artists. Make sure you pop in to see our latest exhibit!

Come up and see this beautiful piece The Wolf Trail by Blackfoot artist Shirley Hill. 

Artist Bio

Shirley Hill is a respected Siksika Nation elder, Indigenous designer, and artist known for sharing Blackfoot culture through dance and education, particularly with young people. She is recognized for her expertise in Fancy Shawl and hoop dancing and her work in schools and community events to teach children about Blackfoot history and language. 

The Wolf Trail also represents the Circle of Life - as Blackfoot people (Siksikaitsitapi), we believe we came from the stars, we do our Earth Walk and we return to the stars. 

Shared with me by Roger Prairie Chicken - White Buffalo Horn