Mary Qayuaryuk facts for kids
Mary Qayuaryuk (born April 25, 1908 – died June 7, 1982), also known as Kudjuakjuk, was an amazing Inuit artist and a helpful midwife. She was known for her beautiful prints and for serving her community.
Mary lived a traditional life, often moving with the seasons and living off the land, which means she used natural resources for food, shelter, and clothing. In 1966, she settled in Cape Dorset, a community in Nunavut, Canada.
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A Leader in Her Community
Mary Qayuaryuk was a true pioneer. She made history by becoming the first woman ever elected to the Cape Dorset Community Council. This council is like a local government that helps make decisions for the people living in Cape Dorset. Being elected meant her community trusted her to help lead and make important choices.
From 1966 until her passing in 1982, Mary also worked with the West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative. This co-operative is a special organization that helps Inuit artists create and sell their artwork. It plays a big role in supporting the arts in the Arctic.
Her Artistic Journey
Mary Qayuaryuk was a talented printmaker. Printmaking is a way of creating art by making an image on one surface (like a stone or a block of wood) and then transferring it to another surface, usually paper.
Mary's art often featured animals, especially owls and other birds. Her prints capture the spirit of the Arctic wildlife she knew so well. Her artistic talent was shared with her family; three of her daughters, Qaunaq Mikkigak, Sheokjuke Toonoo, and Laisa Qayuaryuk, also became artists.
Where You Can See Her Art
Mary Qayuaryuk's artwork is recognized around the world. Her prints are part of important collections in many museums. You can find her work at the National Gallery of Canada and the Portland Art Museum.
Her art has also been shown in many special exhibits. These include shows at The Innuit Gallery of Eskimo Art, the Winnipeg Art Gallery, Inuit Gallery of Vancouver, Arctic Artistry, Feheley Fine Arts, and the Frye Art Museum.
A Family of Artists
Mary's artistic legacy continued through her family. Her granddaughter, Ovilu Tunnillie (1949–2014), also became a famous Inuit artist. Ovilu was a sculptor, creating beautiful artworks from stone. This shows how art was a special part of Mary Qayuaryuk's family for generations.
