City Unveils Ned Bear Mask To Kick Off Cultural Capital Year Celebration
Fredericton (January 12, 2009) - Fredericton's year-long celebration as a 2009 Cultural Capital of Canada was launched today with a Proclamation by Mayor Brad Woodside and the unveiling of a hand-carved wooden mask by renowned First Nation Artist Ned Bear during City Council's first meeting of the year.
The butternut carving, adorned with horse hair, bear fur and sweet grass, is entitled "Wicitowin Maskwa" or "Friendship Spirit-guide." It was commissioned by the City to celebrate its designation as a Cultural Capital by the federal Department of Canadian Heritage and will become a permanent part of the City's public art collection.
"This mask exemplifies the artist's reputation for giving a contemporary interpretation to traditional spiritual beliefs and we are very pleased to unveil it tonight to kick off this exciting year for our arts and culture community," said Councillor Dan Keenan, Chair of the City's Development Committee. "It is something this and future generations of Fredericton will be able to enjoy."
Mr. Bear's carved wooden masks are well known regionally, nationally, and internationally. They are known as Pawakons, or spirit guides, and represent beings who work with humans to help them through the complexities of human experience.
The City of Fredericton, together with local arts and cultural organizations, is planning more than a dozen events and projects throughout 2009 in celebration of the creative talents and achievements of the city's artists and cultural organizations.
"The Cultural Capital of Canada designation will result in a lasting legacy in arts, culture and heritage, including the commissioning of artwork and creation of new events, for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations," said Mayor Brad Woodside as he officially proclaimed 2009 as Cultural Capital of Canada year in Fredericton. "I urge all citizens to celebrate our artists, culture, and heritage in Fredericton by participating in celebratory activities occurring throughout the year."
Mr. Bear is a resident of Saint Mary's First Nation. He has been a practicing sculptor of natural media for 20 years. He received formal training at the NB College of Craft and Design and was the first aboriginal student to graduate from the College, graduating with honors. He continued studies at the First Nations University of Canada in Regina and the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design in Halifax.
He holds a Bachelor of Education degree with a Major in Native Arts from UNB, and has continued education at UNB in the Critical Studies Master Program. Mr. Bear is also a recent recipient of a Smithsonian Institute Fellowship and was awarded a Gibraltar International Artist Residency in Toronto.
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Media Contact: Angela Watson, Cultural Development Officer, Heritage & Cultural Affairs, City of Fredericton (506) 460-2411.
