[BCMA] Fwd: [MEDIA RELEASE] Art of tule reed weaving showcased in new exhibition

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---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Joshua Desnoyers <josh at kelownaartgallery.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 17, 2025 at 9:28 AM
Subject: [MEDIA RELEASE] Art of tule reed weaving showcased in new
exhibition
To: Joshua Desnoyers <josh at kelownaartgallery.com>


For Immediate Release



*Art of tule reed weaving showcased in new exhibition*



*kn k̓ʷul̓lm tl iʔ spuʔús **(I made it from my heart)*

*Mariel Belanger*

*June 21 to November 2, 2025*



*June 17, 2025 – Kelowna, BC: *The art of tule reed weaving will be
highlighted in a new exhibition that opens this weekend at the Kelowna Art
Gallery. The exhibition, titled *kn k̓ʷul̓lm tl iʔ spuʔús (I made it from
my heart)*, presents the work of artist *Mariel Belanger* and features
maker *Kalli Van Stone*, and Elder weaving mentor *Wendy Hawkes*. It runs
from June 21 to November 2, 2025.



Tule reed weaving is a craft of deep cultural importance to the syilx
people. The selected works on display showcase the intricate artistry of
using ephemeral materials like tule reeds, while also addressing pressing
social issues, including the protection of marshlands, environmental
sustainability, and the sovereignty of First Nations.



Visitors will have the opportunity to view beautiful tukʷtán̓ woven
corsets, hats, dresses, shawls, and other magnificently crafted outfits.
These will be complemented by cattail backpacks, tule/rafia baskets, and a
selection of deftly woven pouches. Audiences can view a recorded
performance by Mariel Belanger and Kalli Van Stone by watching a video
screened within the exhibition space.



Through their collaboration as sqilxw women, these artists create a
powerful platform for knowledge exchange, ensuring the continuity of
cultural heritage and fostering a dynamic connection that strengthens the
fabric of their community.



A special *Live Performance by Mariel Belanger & Kalli Van Stone* will be
held on *Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 11 am*, at the Kelowna Art Gallery.
This event is free and open to the public to attend. As part of the
celebrations for National Indigenous Peoples Day, the Kelowna Art Gallery
will offer all visitors free admission for the day.



*Mariel Belanger*, a member of the Okanagan Indian Band, is dedicated to
using interdisciplinary arts to engage Indigenous communities, languages,
and cultures while bridging societal understanding. Her research on
colonial land-grabs in the Okanagan and MFA Thesis on blood memory and
personal governance highlight her commitment to decolonizing knowledge. As
a founding member of Sqilxw Apna and Kama? Creative Aboriginal Arts
Collective, she promotes land-based cultural education and advocates for
Indigenous rights and healing through her art and research.



*kn k̓ʷul̓lm tl iʔ spuʔús (I made it from my heart)* runs from June 21 to
November 2, 2025.



The Kelowna Art Gallery is located at 1315 Water Street in the heart of
Kelowna’s Culture District. For more information visit kelownaartgallery.com
or call 250-762-2226.



- 30 –



*Image Credit*



Mariel Belanger & Kalli Van Stone in tukʷtán̓ woven corsets by Wendy
Hawkes, tukʷtán̓ woven hat by Kalli Van Stone, and makeup by Isabela Stein.
Photo by Nuge Bird, courtesy of the artist.



*Resources*



           Exhibition Webpage:
https://kelownaartgallery.com/i-made-it-from-my-heart/

Mariel Belanger’s Website: https://sqilxw.com/mariel-belanger/

KAG IG: https://www.instagram.com/kelownaartgallery/



*About the Kelowna Art Gallery *



The Kelowna Art Gallery engages, inspires, and enriches the community it
serves through the exhibition, collection, and interpretation of visual
art. Work by Canadian artists, both historical and contemporary, are
presented in five distinct exhibition spaces. The Kelowna Art Gallery is
invested in the idea that art helps to bring people together; and that life
is simply better with art in it. Programs for people of all ages and
backgrounds help to instill confidence in ones’ creativity and to foster
meaningful dialogue on matters important to Canadians.



*For additional high-res images, or to arrange an interview with the
artist, please contact:*



Joshua Desnoyers (he/him)

Marketing and Events Coordinator



Kelowna Art Gallery

1315 Water Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9R3

250-762-2226 ext. 305

josh at kelownaartgallery.com

www.kelownaartgallery.com
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