December 10, 2009

Rare Inuit sculptures from the Art Gallery of Windsor collection to greet Windsor Airport visitors

Visitors will get a taste of Canadian culture when they pass through the newly renovated Windsor International Airport. Four large stone sculptures of Inuit drummers, arctic hares, walruses, and polar bears will be displayed on long-term loan from the Art Gallery of Windsor's permanent collection.

The Art Gallery of Windsor began collecting Inuit art in the 1950s. "We are fortunate to have a major collection of rare, early works by important Inuit artists in the AGW collection. We are delighted to be able to share them with visitors to the airport, especially those visiting Windsor who may not have had the opportunity to visit the Gallery," says AGW Curator of Historical Art Cassandra Getty. "We are delighted to partner with the airport and look forward to collaborating in the future on displays by Windsor artists and children's art. The goal is to provide busy travellers with an idea of what Windsor has to offer and to entice them to visit the AGW."

On a daily basis, the Windsor International Airport handles an average of 330 passengers, travelling to and from Windsor. In addition, friends, family, visitors and tenants of the Airport are now able to enjoy the exhibit while they wait. "Airports are about connecting people and what a better way to connect people than through art. Our partnership with the Art Gallery supports our vision as a gateway to our community" states Federica Nazzani, President & CEO of Windsor International Airport.

For more information about the AGW, please contact:

Nicole McCabe (519) 977-0013 ext. 134

or at nmccabe@agw.ca

 

For more information on the Windsor International Airport, please contact:

Federica Nazzani at (519) 969-2430

or at info@yqg.ca

 

About the sculptures:

Egevadluq Ragee (Canadian, 1920-1983)
Arctic Hare ca. 1980
serpentine stone
Collection of the Art Gallery of Windsor; Purchased with the assistance of the Ontario Ministry of Culture and recreation through Wintario, 1982

Kaka Ashoona (Canadian, 1928-1996)
Owl c.1970
stone
Collection of the Art Gallery of Windsor; Gift of the Director's Fund, 1974

Peepeelee Kuniliussie (Canadian, b. 1940)
Man with Drummer with Walrus with Woman c.1975
stone and whalebone
Collection of the Art Gallery of Windsor; Gift of the Art Gallery of Windsor Volunteer Committee, 1980

Eyeetsiak Peter (Canadian, b. 1937)
Bear Mother and Cub c. 1970
serpentine stone
Collection of the Art Gallery of Windsor; Gift of the Director's Fund, 1974