Mitchell Museum Welcomes Winter With Arctic Art Exhibit

Carvings by Inuit artists of Canada's far north are the subject of a recently opened exhibit at the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian.

"Carving a Tradition: Inuit Carvings" opened January 7 and will remain on view through August 5. The exhibit consists of approximately 50 pieces from the mid-20th century onward.

Materials range from walrus tusk ivory and whale bone to soapstone, serpentine, and other indigenous arctic and subarctic materials.

The Inuit art exhibit showcases a portion of the Mitchell's collection unfamiliar to many visitors, the museum said. The exhibit opening was timed to coincide with winter, when it's easier to relate to arctic cultures.

According to exhibit information, Inuit carving dates back about 2,500 years. Carvings intended for the art and collectibles markets, such as those in the exhibit, largely emerged in the post-World War II years in response to economic and environmental forces that disrupted traditional Inuit ways of life.

The exhibit surveys techniques of carving stone and bone, including examples of scrimshaw, a method of engraving and inking that leaves a darkened image on light bone. Visitors will also see limited-edition, stone-cut paper prints.

Carvings depict family life, music making, dancing, recreational games, wildlife, and hunting.

The exhibit includes quotes from Inuit carvers about what inspires their work. Says one carver, "I appreciate that by creating the pieces we keep memories alive, because it is impossible to forget once you have seen and touched the past."

Admission to the exhibit is included with Mitchell Museum admission, which is $5 for adults and $3 for seniors, students, teachers (with valid school ID), and children. Admission is free for Mitchell members and tribal members. Admission is also free on the first Friday of every month.

The independent, nonprofit Mitchell Museum is at 3001 Central St., Evanston.  Phone (847) 475-1030. On the Net: http://www.mitchellmuseum.org.