Exhibition Invitation ~ Roger Simon Memorial Exhibition at KLUSKAP – Legacy of a Mi’kmaq Artist

Roger J. Simon 1954-2000

“Legacy of a Mi’kmaq Artist”

KLU’SKAP Native Art Gallery invites you to attend the opening of the memorial exhibition of Roger J. Simon on Thursday Jan 6th at 7:00pm. The exhibition entitled “Legacy of a Mi’kmaq Artist” will feature many works of Mr. Simon. Some paintings are from several Elsipogtog Departments; Health & Wellness, Mental Health, Elsipogtog Education, Child & Family services, Finance and Council Chambers. Also on display will be the “Metepenagiag First Nation” paintings that Roger did of the village of the Thirty Centuries, the Augustine Mound excavation. Several of the works are from private collections and there has never before been this many of Mr. Simon’s creations displayed together at the same time .The opening ceremony will present a native blessing, native singers and dancers in traditional regalia. The evening’s special guests include Savannah Simon traditional dancer, local First Nation’s chiefs, city officials, representative from NB Premier’s office, NB political party representatives plus many family members and friends of Roger Simon including his brother and current chief of Elsipogtog, Jesse Simon.

A new selection of limited edition prints of Roger J. Simon’s artwork, in collaboration with professional photographer Maurice Henri, will be launched January 6th.

Roger J. Simon memorial exhibition at KLU’SKAP Jan 6 – Feb 10

Roger J. Simon was a Mi’kmaq artist from Elsipogtog First Nation, New Brunswick. He was one of seventeen children who were professionals in the areas of education, writing, social work and art. He studied at the George Brown College in Toronto, and continued at the NB College of Craft and Design in Fredericton. His art was displayed in many group and solo exhibitions in prestigious galleries and is in the permanent collections of various public and important corporate collections, while his murals are on public display at many Native organizations and the Miramichi Hospital in Miramichi, NB.

Roger Simon’s art combined traditional and contemporary ideas. He was inspired by his people’s faces, culture, stories and legends. His painting style was considered unique amongst Canadian and international artists, especially with his depiction of women’s strong personalities and beauty. Art critics compared his painting style to that of the French painter Gauguin in his earlier work.

Roger Simon’s works have been requested for reproduction in many publications, art calendars, post cards, and as a background in a Walt Disney film. In 1995, one of Roger’s paintings “The First Car on the Rez” (oil on paper, 1993) was selected by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade’s Fine Art program for a permanent exhibition of First Nations’ art for the Canadian Embassy in Moscow, Russia.

His art has and will continue to provide inspiration to others for many generations.

New Brunswick’s only First Nations Art Gallery and Studio located at 581 Main St. Moncton

For any additional information or to request an interview please call or email:

Pascal A. Pelletier ph (506) 380-5454, email: kluskap@kluskap.com www.kluskap.com

or Shawna Gagné ph (506) 388-2332, email: info@sandstones.ca

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There is a silent auction for the painting “Gisoolk” by Roger Simon, 1999. Oil on canvas 36” x 36”

This is the first painting made available by his succession.

Part of the funds will go to the conservation, archive and promotion of Mr. Simon’s works – in collaboration with Vienna Sanipass curator of Roger’s succession.

For more information about placing a bid visit www.kluskap.com or directly at the KLU’SKAP gallery.