Just the Tip of the Iceberg: Donations pour in for Ke’tipnemk Fundraiser

Posted by Qalipu on
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L-R Marcuss Gosse, Mitch Blanchard and Nona Matthews Gosse

Floating About is the title of the latest donation of artwork received by the Qalipu Cultural Foundation in support of their upcoming Annual Fundraising Dinner and Silent Auction set to take place this October 22 at Jennifer’s Restaurant in Corner Brook.  The donation was made by local Mi’kmaw artist Marcus Gosse who said that this original piece, in acrylic and oil, is part of “The Mi’kmaq Utopia Collection.”

“What I’m getting at in this collection is the iceberg analogy as it relates to culture.  The tip of the iceberg represents that small bit of a person that is apparent at the surface.  What people see.  Under the surface however, there’s much more than meets the eye.”

Gosse was referring to the habits, assumptions, understandings, values and the depth that makes up who we are as the Mi’kmaq people of the province.  He said “you have to dig deeper to get to know a person and their culture.”

Marcus, and his wife Nona Matthews Gosse, plan on attending the Ke’tipnemk fundraiser and hope that the painting, along with several other donations made by Gosse, will bring in a good price to put towards the mandate of the Qalipu Cultural Foundation.

The Qalipu Cultural Foundation was formed in 2014 to support Mi’kmaq culture in Newfoundland and Labrador.  It exists to ensure cultural documentation, and promote the involvement of youth and elders in cultural activities within the band.   They strive to inspire the people to proudly embrace their heritage, to empower them to continue the traditions of the ancestors and restore the spirit of Mi’kmaq culture in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Tickets for the Ke’tipnemk Fundraiser are now on sale.  Please contact reception at Qalipu’s main office in Corner Brook at 634-0996 to get yours.

 

Note: Also coming up in October for Mi’kmaq Heritage Month, artists Marcus Gosse and Scott Butt will prepare an exhibition at the Arts and Culture Centre in Stephenville titled “Expressions of Qalipu Land”.  The show opens on October 1 at 7:00 PM.  The first 25 visitors will receive a print from The Mi’kmaq Utopia Collection titled Finding my Way.