The main quad on North Campus is a space that is forever changing - the leaves burst to life, fade, and fall; barbecues appear and are replaced by snow; geese set up shop and rabbits rest in the shade; and since last October community members have admired and connected with the temporary art installation "Indigenous Methodology and the Rock Grandfather."
Indigenous Methodology and the Rock Grandfather, a temporary outdoor exhibition
The statues, which have been on temporary loan from Indigenous artist Stewart Steinhauer, have helped to spark conversations around reconciliation. Each has also encouraged an appreciation for public art and cultural expression.
The trio of works, titled "The Hunter," "Big Bear is Right," and "The Eaglechild," have greeted students, faculty, and staff during the daily dash to class. They've also provided company during warm lunch hours in the sun, and have peeked out beneath icy blankets that coated our campus for much of this year.
The university has been grateful to host "Indigenous Methodology and the Rock Grandfather" and looks forward to featuring more Indigenous art - as both permanent installations and temporary exhibits - in the years to come.
For now, "The Hunter," "Big Bear is Right," and "The Eaglechild" are set to end their time in Quad later this weekend (weather permitting). Steinhauer's other works, including "The Sweetgrass Bear" (also in Quad), Treaty Bear Marker and Eaglechild (Enterprise Square), The Treaty Bear (Augustana), and L'Esprit Ours (Campus Saint-Jean) will all maintain their permanent places across the U of A's campuses, along with works by other artists like Kevin Pee-ace and Jerry Whitehead.
Those looking to pay a final visit to the"Indigenous Methodology and the Rock Grandfather" should stop by quad before June 23, 2018.
