The gallery is currently closed to the public as we are preparing for our spring exhibitions: Prince Sîpihko, Sailor Wâpakwiniy by Jasmine Piper (Curated by our Artistic Director, Sanaa Humayun) & Dreams to get you through the night by Abby Nowkakowski and Rania Haider. Our opening reception for these exhibitions will be on Friday, February 20th from 7-9pm. Come & join us!
sîpihko (cree: see-pih-go, “blue”) landed on the shores of kinosoo (cree: kin-o-soo, “Big Fish”, Cold Lake, Alberta) an unknown time ago. His origins are unknown.
He can be found amongst the trees, in the water, and sometimes in the skies. Running his paws along the Saskatoon bushes, stones, and wood. He seeks something, but we are not sure what. Often mistaken for ᐊᒥᐢᐠ , (cree: am-isk, “beaver”) sîpihko can be distinguished by his antlers, neon claws, and his unrelenting search. Perhaps sîpihko seeks to belong. sîpihko has no known ancestors - but he must know where he comes from, and to whom he belongs. Does he feel connected to his kin? Perhaps he is searching for familiarity in unfamiliar regions. Perhaps it is a lonely existence, to be the only one of your kind.
Travellers in kinosoo may find him at the very top of the tallest trees, or at the very bottom of the lake. He has a fondness for Saskatoon berries and wildflowers, and has been spotted collecting Prickly Roses. He is believed to be friendly. It is said that if you allow him to run his paws along you, you may form a bond with him. Are you what he searches for? Those who sleep in the forest report his silhouette imprinted on their eyelids when they awaken. These reports are unverified.
Join us for the opening reception on Friday, February 20th from 7-9pm!
Jasmine Piper ᐃᐢᑵᐤ ᑯᓯᐦᐊᐟ ᒥᐢᑎᑿᓯᑿ [drum woman] lives and works in mohkinstsis
Treaty 7 territory, is a member of Cold Lake First Nations and has family ties across
the prairies and Northern Alberta. She is an emerging artist and has exhibited
throughout so-called Canada after graduating from the Alberta University of the Arts
in 2020. Her art practice centers her experiences of reconnecting with her cultures
and spirit through a sense of humour. Piper always aspires to be a better drum
maker, fisherwoman and beader. She currently works in arts admin focusing on
supporting fellow artists alongside her arts and curatorial practices.
©2026 Hamilton Artists Inc.
