Keen interest in a series of carving workshops led by Musqueam artists at the Richmond Public Library has prompted staff to add a lesson on weaving later this spring.
The workshops feature lessons on traditional paddle designs with Martin Sparrow and salmon carving with Richard Campbell.
“It really demonstrates that there is public interest in Richmond about learning more about local indigenous cultures,” said Ariana Galeano with the Richmond Public Library.
All the workshops in a series running January to March that the Brighouse unveiled December were full before the first one started Jan. 19, and wait lists continue to grow
Artist Martin Sparrow told the Richmond News he wants to use his carving skills to show the world who the Musqueam are.
“I want to be proud of who I am,” he said. “That’s what carving does. It pushes away darkness.”
In his first workshop on Jan. 19, he began with a song and explained the significance of the traditional paddles to his nation. Then, he worked with the 15 participants to design and carve the little wooden paddles they each received before everyone painted their own.
The workshops came about due to a partnership between the library and the City of Richmond after public consultation revealed an appetite.
Next, the library plans to host workshops with local indigenous artists on weaving.
More details will be released on the next workshop series soon.
