Haines Junction residents can take part in three free art programs with Christine Dunbar, the new artist in residence at Kluane National Park and Reserve, from September 10 to 24. Dunbar, an Inuvialuit and Cree beader from Yellowknife, will lead workshops on caribou tufting and night-sky embroidery, plus an all-ages artist talk at the Da Ku Cultural Centre.
Dunbar started beading in 2020 during the pandemic and now sells her work across Canada, the United States, and Europe under the name auntie.beading. Her earrings have appeared in Vogue magazine. She brings a science background to her art, holding a Master of Science in Integrative Biology.
The first event is Artist Talk: Show and Tell for all ages on September 12 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Parks Canada Theatre in the Da Ku Cultural Centre. Dunbar will share her artwork and creative process.
On September 13, there is a caribou tufting drop-in and open house at the Kluane Lake Research Station from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Visitors can try the traditional craft and tour the station.
The final workshop, Stitch the Stars, is September 19 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Mät’àtäna Män (Kathleen Lake) Day-Use Shelter. It is part of the 10th annual Northern Nights Dark Sky Festival, Yukon’s only dark sky event, running September 18 and 19. Participants will create a night-sky-inspired piece using embroidery and beadwork. All materials are free, but registration is required by emailing [email protected] or calling 867-634-5235 before 5 p.m. on weekdays.
