Adopt an Object: Amauti

This amauti by Irene Avaalaaqiaq is part of the MIA’s new Adopt an Object fundraising initiative.

As part of  the MIA’s new fundraising initiative ‘Adopt an Object’, we’ll be highlighting a featured item from our Permanent Collection that staff have chosen to represent some of  the unique pieces we display in the museum. For more information on the program itself and what it means to be a donor, you can check out our past blog post.

Today, we’re highlighting a staff favourite – Irene Avaalaaqiaq’s “Amauti”

Artist: Irene Avaalaaqiaq (b. 1941)
Location: Qamani’tuaq (Baker Lake)
Date: 2009Medium: Wool duffel, thread, glass beads
Dimensions (H x W x D): 44” x 32” x 12”
Collection: MIA Collection

Significance: This amauti is a striking example of clothing that is still worn by women in this community today. Irene Avaalaaqiaq, better known for her wall hangings, is a premier artist in the Kivalliq Region. This beautifully hand-sewn piece with intricate bead work is emblematic of Irene’s exceptional craftsmanship. Textiles, such as this amauti made of duffel felt, often prove to be one of the greatest challenges to safely display without proper environmental controls.

Adoption Rate: $300

UPDATE:  To adopt this piece, contact our curator Alysa at miamuseum [at] gmail [dot] com.

– Posted by Brittany Holliss, MIA’s Visitor Services Officer

Adopt an Object: Untitled (Doll)

This doll by Martina Anoee is part of the MIA’s new Adopt an Object fundraising initiative.

As part of  the MIA’s new fundraising initiative ‘Adopt an Object’, we’ll be highlighting a featured item from our Permanent Collection that staff have chosen to represent some of  the unique pieces we display in the museum. For more information on the program itself and what it means to be a donor, you can check out our past blog post.

Today, we’re highlighting a staff favourite – Martina Anoee’s “Doll”

Artist: Martina Anoee (1933 – 2010)
Location: Arviat
Date: c. 2010
Medium: Sealskin, fox fur, wool, thread, hair
Dimensions (H x W x D): 14” x 7” x 6”
Collection: MIA Collection

Significance:
This soft sculpture doll was the last ever made by Martina Anoee, a prolific artist known for her expressive faces in dolls. This piece, depicting traditional dress of the region, was acquired by the Museum of Inuit Art last year when two staff members (our Executive Director David Harris and current Associate Curator Alysa Procida) were visiting Kangirqliniq (Rankin Inlet).

Adoption Rate: $200

UPDATE: To adopt this piece, contact our curator Alysa at miamuseum [at] gmail [dot] com.

– Posted by Brittany Holliss, MIA’s Visitor Services Officer

Adopt an Object: Untitled (Walrus Amulet)

This walrus amulet from the  Thule period is part of the MIA’s new Adopt an Object fundraising initiative.

As part of  the MIA’s new fundraising initiative ‘Adopt an Object’, we’ll be highlighting a featured item from our Permanent Collection that staff have chosen to represent some of  the unique pieces we display in the museum. For more information on the program itself and what it means to be a donor, you can check out our past blog post.

Today, we’re highlighting a staff favourite – a walrus amulet.

Artist: Unidentified
Location: Arctic Canada
Date: Thule Period (1000 – c.1650)
Medium: Ivory, pigment
Dimensions:  H 0.5″ x W 1.5″ x D 0.5″
Collection: MIA Collection

Significance: This piece was created by the Thule who are the direct ancestors of modern Inuit. The Walrus Amulet is one of the more figural pieces in our collection from this period, which is quite unique as most Thule art is more abstract and utilitarian. Help us preserve one of our oldest and most sensitive pieces in the collection by adopting this piece.

Adoption rate: $150

To adopt this piece, contact our curator Alysa at aprocida [at] miamuseum [do-t] ca.

UPDATE: This piece has recently been adopted by a generous donor and is no longer available. 

– Posted by Brittany Holliss, MIA’s Visitor Services Officer

Be Part of MIA: Adopt an Object

This year, MIA is  really excited to launch a new fundraising program: Adopt an Object!

Supporters of art made by Inuit can now select a piece of the museums Permanent Collection currently on display and symbolically “adopt” that piece for a one year term. MIA’s staff members have selected some of their favourite objects as candidates for adoption based on their unique characteristics, notable history and impressive craftsmanship. Each of these pieces will be highlighted in future blog posts, so be sure to check back in and see our selection.

The ‘Adoption Package’ includes:

• a photograph and description of the piece you have chosen to adopt, which you can proudly display in your home, office or classroom
• names of individuals will be entitled to have their names listed as Adopters on the object labels within the museum space
• recognition on our websites Donors’ page
• name included in the museum’s Annual Report
• invitation to a special cocktail reception to thank all participants for their generous contributions to the museum
• additional programming opportunities are also available upon discussion with the Associate Curator Alysa Procida

All funds raised from this initiative will go directly into the educational programming and continued preservation of MIA’s collection. As a public institution that holds its work in public trust, conservation of the museum’s collection is one of MIA’s top priorities. This is especially true for those objects made out of sensitive materials such as ivory, textile or paper. At the same time, MIA is southern Canada’s only museum devoted exclusively to art made by Inuit, meaning that the museums ability to effectively offer engaging educational programming is crucial. Through the Adopt an Object program, staff hope to acquire resources to help us manage these challenges. This will allow us to continue to educate the public about the art and its conservation.

Adoption Rates:

• Small stone, antler and ivory pieces                                              $150
• Medium stone, antler and ivory pieces                                         $300
• Large stone, antler and ivory pieces                                              $500
• Ceramic pieces                                                                                   $200
• Wall hangings and soft sculpture works                                       $200
• Prints and textile pieces                                                                   $200
• Prints and Wall hangings made by Master Artists                     $700
• Sculptures made by Master Artists                                                $1,000

All donors adopting an object will be issues a tax receipt. Rates are established based on the material and size of the artifact being adopted. After the priority works listed above have been adopted, additional opportunities will become available.

We thank all those that choose to support us in this endeavor by adopting an object. It is through the generous contributions of such individuals that we are able to further our mission: “to ethically acquire, conserve, research, communicate and exhibit for the purpose of study, education and enjoyment, material evidence of the history of Inuit art and culture in the Canadian Arctic”.

– Posted by: Brittany Holliss, MIA’s Visitor Services Officer