Get to Know the Urban Shaman, a Hidden Gem in Winnipeg’s Art Scene
I know firsthand how frustrating it can be to face creative obstacles—not just in writing, but in art as well. And if, like me, you like to seek inspiration by going to art galleries and museums, you should drop by the Urban Shaman.
There, I saw art through the lens of various creatives from Indigenous cultures in Winnipeg and beyond, showcasing a wonderful blend of traditional techniques and modern mediums.
Take it from me, a fresh perspective is all you need to snap out of your creative block. If you want to learn more about the colorful world of Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art Gallery, keep reading our guide below.
What is contemporary aboriginal art?
Contemporary aboriginal art encompasses a wide range of artistic creations by native peoples, drawing heavily from traditional symbols and imagery.
Such pieces reflect the cultural customs and spiritual beliefs of the artists, showcasing a unique blend of heritage and contemporary expression.
About Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art Gallery
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Established in 1996, Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art Gallery is an artist-run non-profit organization dedicated to sharing the most thought-provoking works of art by Indigenous artists.
Fun fact: The center exhibits art in all disciplines and at all levels. You’ll also find works of emerging and established artists from diverse indigenous cultures here.
The Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art Gallery would be on the first Friday of the month. They usually have local vendors lined up around the gallery and fun photobooths for gallerygoers to enjoy.
If you’re not from Winnipeg, you can schedule a trip around November to December, so you can join their annual 50 to 500 Sale. Throughout this event, you can purchase art ranging from 50 cents to $500.
How to Get There
Located at 203-290 McDermot Avenue, Urban Shaman Contemporary Art Gallery is a block away from the Burton Cummings Theatre.
It is also a 13-minute walk from Winnipeg’s Central Park via Ellice Avenue. If you’re driving, it should take you no more than 5 minutes.
Just across the gallery, you’ll find an Impark parking lot. You can also park at the designated spots near the loading bays along 290 and 288 McDermot Avenue.
Once you’re in the building, go into the elevator. You’ll find the gallery on the second floor at Unit #203.
Make sure to enter through the red doors right across the elevator; not the red doors next to it.
Things to Do in Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art Gallery
1. Admire contemporary indigenous art.
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Urban Shaman has a modest collection of thought-provoking pieces, ranging from paintings, sculptures, and mixed media. My favorite would be the beaded exhibitions.
Each with its own motifs, these delicate beaded installations often have the boldest statements about the lived realities of Indigenous people. Carrie Allison’s use of beads to illustrate the Red River’s path is one such example.
We wish there were more to see though. For now, the artworks are housed in a small, intimate space so you definitely won’t be perusing the galleries for hours.
2. Get to know the local artists.
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Throughout the course of the exhibitions, Urban Shaman hosts a series of talks and performances so you can get to know the artists better and understand how they bring life to their art.
Pat Bruder’s discussion on birch bark bitings, which are dentally perforated designs on a paper-thin bark, has been one of the most memorable by far.
If you live outside of Winnipeg, you won’t have to miss out because they livestream these artist talks so you can watch from the comfort of your home.
3. Watch a live performance.
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Surprisingly, Urban Shaman is very full of energy and life for an art gallery. We always look forward to big gatherings like opening receptions because they usually invite poets, singers, and storytellers to perform their creative magic.
These events are the heart and soul of the gallery. The experience always feels spiritually transportive, allowing you to connect deeper to yourself, your environment, and your community.
Oh, did we mention you’ll also get free snacks and refreshments?
4. Become a member.
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Are you an artist? As a member of Urban Shaman, you will have the opportunity to showcase your art at events like their annual 50 to 500 Sale, which draws in art enthusiasts from all over Winnipeg.
During the event, they will exhibit dozens of pieces showcasing intriguing, experimental art from a wide range of artistic disciplines. As an artist, you can sell art priced from 50 cents to $500.
Even if you aren’t indigenous, you will have the chance to get your work in front of an audience—as long as you are a member.
5. Join a workshop.
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Why spend most of your time staring at art when you can discover your inner Picasso? At Urban Shaman, you can get in touch with your artistic side through workshops on almost any medium, including beadwork, painting, sculpting, and more.
Classes are usually small, limited, and hands-on sessions, but not always. They have online workshops as well, where they’ll walk you through the process of applying for grants as an artist, a group, or an organization.
There is a catch though. You have to be a member of the gallery to participate in these exclusive workshops, which also have limited slots.