Opening Reception: November 1, 7-10pm (open for First Friday at 5pm)
Regular Hours November 2 to November 12: Tuesday to Friday, 12-6pm; Saturday 12-5pm
With her paintings, Manitoba Métis artist, Nicole LeClair hopes to capture the organic curves of nature and the spirit of animals through bright colors and strokes of intrigue. She tells a meaningful story behind the curves and gives purpose and connection to Mother Earth and Father Sky.
Nicole’s pointillism is an interpretation of her Métis Ancestors’ traditional beadwork. The graphic details of beading characterized style and Métis People were commonly referred to as the “Flower People”.
What does Nicole want to say with her art? Treasure the white space as much as the matter. Acknowledge the space between the leaves on a branch, think differently. Only then can we appreciate a more lasting connection to people, nature, and earth.
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Nicole LeClair started creating art at a young age and took classes at the Winnipeg Art Gallery until she attended River River College (Winnipeg, Manitoba) Advertising Art in 1992. As the technology evolved, there was less and less opportunity to create original art pieces within the advertising industry and graphic design/stock photography became the norm. While living in Calgary and Canmore (2000), Nicole was inspired by the beautiful Canadian landscapes and took a keen interest in the human/nature connection. She chose ceramics and hand-painted sinks as her medium and researched plants and medicines of the prairies bringing her closer to home. Nicole moved back to Winnipeg as a single mother and focused on her corporate career and her daughter. Since 2014, Nicole has shown work at Cre8ery, Winnipeg FolkFest and has delivered school workshops, sharing her culture with young folks. Nicole has been commissioned by the Manitoba Metis Federation and other Métis clients for her unique “beaded” style that reflects the Métis culture and tradition. Currently, Nicole is a full time working artist and is producing illustrations for a series of 6 Michif (Métis language) children’s books to be launch in late fall. Nicole primarily works with acrylics but also uses mixed mediums (watercolors, oil paint, oil pastels, collage and gauche).