Ruth Qaulluaryuk facts for kids

Ruth Qaulluaryuk, born in 1932, is a talented Canadian artist. She is known for her beautiful textile art, like wall hangings, and her drawings. Ruth is an Inuk woman, which means she belongs to the Indigenous people of the Arctic.

Early Life in the Arctic

Ruth Qaulluaryuk grew up near the Back River area. This is in a part of Canada called Nunavut, which used to be the Northwest Territories. Her father, Luke Anguhadluq, was also a famous artist. She is married to artist Josiah Nuilaalik.

For many years, Ruth and her family lived a nomadic life. This means they moved from place to place, following animals like caribou for food. They lived off the land, just like many Inuit people did.

Moving to Baker Lake

In the 1950s, there wasn't enough food for many families. This was a very hard time. Because of this, Ruth and her family moved to a settlement called Baker Lake in the early 1970s. They were among the last families to settle down. Moving to Baker Lake helped them find a more stable life. It also allowed Ruth's children to go to school.

Becoming an Artist

Ruth Qaulluaryuk did not go to art school. She started making art to help her family earn money. She began sewing clothes and crafts to sell. These items were sold through a government program that supported arts and crafts.

Her First Art Shows

In 1974, two of Ruth's wall hangings were shown in a special art exhibit. This show, called "Crafts from Arctic Canada," helped people see her amazing work. In the same year, one of her drawings was chosen for a collection of prints. It was called Tundra with River.

The next year, another one of her drawings was printed. This one was called Hundreds and Hundreds, Herds of Caribou. After these successes, more and more people recognized her talent.

Where You Can See Her Art

Ruth Qaulluaryuk's art has been shown in many places. Her work is in art galleries and museums across Canada and the United States.

Some of the places where her art is kept include:

• The National Gallery of Canada
• The Canadian Museum of History
• The National Museum of the American Indian
• The Winnipeg Art Gallery

In 2021, her work was part of a big exhibition. This show was called INUA. It was held at the Winnipeg Art Gallery's new Inuit art center, Qaumajuq.

Ruth Qaulluaryuk is an important artist. She has shared her culture and stories through her beautiful textile art and drawings.