Jane Ash Poitras facts for kids

Jane Ash Poitras CM RCA (born October 11, 1951) is a talented Cree painter and printmaker from Canada. Her art uses modern styles to share the experiences of Indigenous people in Canada. She is known for her unique way of combining different images and objects in her paintings.

Jane's Early Life and Education

Jane Ash Poitras was born in Fort Chipewyan, Alberta. When she was six years old, her mother passed away. Jane was then adopted by an elderly German woman. She grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, in a Catholic home.

Before becoming an artist, Jane studied microbiology at the University of Alberta. She earned a science degree. Later, she decided to follow her passion for art. She went back to the University of Alberta to study printmaking. She also earned a Master's degree from Columbia University in New York.

How Jane Creates Her Art

Jane Ash Poitras uses many layers of images, objects, and words in her artwork. This helps her explore the history and personal experiences of Indigenous people in Canadian society. She once said that every blank canvas is like an invitation to a journey of discovery. She is always open to unexpected ideas as she creates.

Her way of making art was inspired by artists like Mark Rothko and Robert Rauschenberg. These artists used different materials and ideas in their work. Jane learned about this style during her studies at Columbia University.

Special Meanings in Her Paintings

Jane often adds objects to her paintings that have special meanings. For example, in her 1991 painting A Sacred Prayer for a Sacred Island, she included an eagle feather and a five-dollar bill. An eagle feather is very important and sacred to North American Indigenous people. The five-dollar bill represents the money the Canadian government paid to Indigenous individuals as part of treaties.

Some of Jane's paintings are very large. One piece bought by the Royal Ontario Museum in 2010 is a huge painting. It is 25 feet long and 9 feet high! Her painting Potato Peeling 101 to Ethnobotany 101 (2004) tells a story. It shows how Indigenous cultural knowledge was kept alive during times when people were forced to change their ways.

Jane is very active in the art world. Before 2006, she had over 30 solo art shows and was part of 60 group shows. She also teaches at the University of Alberta and gives talks across North America.

Helping Young Artists

Jane Ash Poitras has also helped guide young Indigenous artists. She has mentored many apprentices, including Linus Woods.

Where You Can See Her Art

Jane Ash Poitras's artwork is displayed in many important collections. Here are some of them:

• National Gallery of Canada
• Royal Ontario Museum
• Canadian Museum of Civilization
• Brooklyn Museum
• Canada Council Art Bank
• Leonard and Bina Ellen Art Gallery, Concordia University
• McMichael Canadian Art Collection
• Royal Alberta Museum
• Art Gallery of Ontario
• Edmonton Art Gallery, now known as the Art Gallery of Alberta
• Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
• Vancouver Art Gallery
• Winnipeg Art Gallery
• Glenbow-Alberta Institute, Glenbow Museum
• The Robert McLaughlin Gallery
• MacKenzie Art Gallery
• Agnes Etherington Art Centre
• Art Windsor Essex

Awards and Honours

Jane Ash Poitras has received many special awards for her art and contributions:

• Order of Canada (2017)
• Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
• Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from University of Calgary
• Honorary Doctor of Letters degree from University of Alberta
• Royal Canadian Academy of Arts
• Alberta Centennial Medal
• National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Arts and Culture (now the Indspire Awards), 2006
• University of Alberta Alumni Award of Excellence
• Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist Award