Pilots N Paws Canada Animal Rescue 2015 Auction

VALUE: $2500

Donated by Elizabeth Thomas

This very special piece was donated to Pilots N Paws Canada just for this auction.

With its vivid colours and clever depiction of iconic images of the north, it peaked our curiousity to learn more about it.  After a great deal of research we found information about the artist and decided to share what we learned with you.

As you will read on the image we provide, Winnie was well loved and produced many of these hangings that now reside in homes around the world.

We hope you will enjoy seeing this special example of Inuit Art. 

We had  it assessed by several Art Galleries from Ontario through to British Columbia who were familiar and dealt in the sale of Inuit Art.   So as this is the most expensive item in our auction and we hope to have it go to someone who will truly appreciate having this in their home, we have put a reserve that respects its artistry.

LETTERS: Nunavut June 24, 2009 - 6:03 pm NUNATSIAQ NEWS

Ode to Winnie Ohokak

A few weeks ago, a dear friend passed away in Cambridge Bay, Winnie Ohokak. 

Her passing was sad and silent, and I haven’t stopped thinking about her ever since.  Who was Winnie Ohokak? 

She was not a politician, she was not an executive, she was not an administrator nor an employee, nor was she in charge of anything.  And yet, to me, Winnie was and is a legend.

Winnie was a sewing ‘machine.’  A woman of talent, a creator, a major contributor to Cambridge Bay’s artistic community.  Her hand-sewn wall hangings are known around the world.  Yes, around the world.

I fell in love with Winnie’s wall hangings 15 years ago when she was a student of mine at Arctic College.  I fell in love with Winnie’s wonderful sense of humor and giggle around that same time.  She was a joy to be around.

Over the 15 years that I have known Winnie, I have managed to acquire almost one of every wall hanging design that she created.  I couldn’t get enough of them and I was not alone.

Many times over the past years, when she could not keep up with the demand for her wall hangings, she would call me and see if I had any to spare.  I always did, and I thank God that I always made sure to get more. 

Dear Winnie.  You have enriched so many lives.  I look at you every day on one of my walls at home or work and you always manage to make me smile.

Thank you Winnie.  Thank you for enriching my life.  May you rest in peace.

Vicki Aitaok Cambridge Bay