Description
Barrie Ontario-based multi-media artist Clayton Samuel King has been working in the creative arts for the past sixteen years. Clayton has developed predominantly as a painter but also works with several other mediums. Mr. King has displayed his art in 8 solo exhibitions and 45 selected group exhibitions. His artwork has been acquired by many public and private collectors all over Turtle Island and abroad.
The common themes in Mr. King’s work relate to Anishinaabek culture, heritage, and history. When Clayton was a youth, he became influenced by the work of several woodland artists. Like many Indigenous artists today, Clayton carries on the tradition of storytelling, cultural practices, and spiritual beliefs through his work. Clayton has also provided several Indigenous paintings, craft, historical, treaty, and genealogical workshops and lectures to many different communities.
Clayton was born and raised in St. Catharines, Ontario, and graduated with a Fine Art Advanced Diploma from Fanshawe College in 2010. Throughout his career, Clayton has received 9 awards, 6 grants, and 11 major commissions. Mr. King is of Potawatomi Anishinabek descent and is a member of the Beausoleil First Nation.
Jennifer Bolton’s knowledge of beading, tufting, and moccasin-making comes from women in her family, friends, and teachers. Her grandmother, Minnie Smith, first taught her to bead on a loom and, when she had her first child, how to make moccasins. Her mother, Marina Smith, is also an artist in both visual art and textiles, teaching her about patternmaking and sewing. In past years, Jennifer has been fortunate to learn from incredible Anishinaabe and Métis women, artists, teachers, and role models including Stephanie Pangowish (via Manitoulin Mukluk Storyboot School); Darci Everson (quillwork); Justine Woods (beading and moccasin-making) and Marissa Magneson (beadwork and tufting).
Her love of traditional artis was developed and nurtured by the women who raised her. Her inspiration and joy in learning different techniques has been encouraged by the women who have generously shared their gifts and knowledge over beads, fur, quills, and leather—and laughter and love. Her work is the sewing together of many pieces of wisdom and skill. She thanks and honors all her teachers.
Jeff Monague is a former Chief of the Beausoleil First Nation on Christian Island, former Director of Treaty Research with the Anishnabek (Union of Ontario Indians) and a Canadian Forces Veteran as well as an instructor of the Ojibwe Language for Georgian College.
Jeff Monague is an avid musician, singer/songwriter and has written for tv and film productions. His music is available on iTunes, Amazon, YouTube Music, Spotify, and other streaming services.
Shelly Genereaux is an Anishnabe woman who is a member of Saugeen First Nation, which is located on the shores of Lake Huron. She holds a B.A in Psychology and a B.Ed. from York University; as well as a diploma for Anishnabemowin Programming from Georgian College. Shelly considers herself a life-long learner as her next aspiration is to earn a master’s degree. Currently she is working as the Restorative Justice Coordinator at the Barrie Native Friendship Centre. In this position, Shelly is using art-based projects to help clients to reconnect with their Indigenous identities.
Genereaux works with community members to achieve their potential, which she finds fulfilling at this stage in her life. She aspires to find ways to engage and promote a culturally accepting society. One project in particular is Awenen Giin: Who are You. This project connects Indigenous people to their Indigenous culture and histories, whom all share a common loss and story as a result of the Residential school system.
