Sheila Shaen Orr facts for kids

Sheila Orr, born in 1964, is a talented Canadian artist. She has a rich background, being part Cree, Scots, and Inuit heritage.

Sheila was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. She spent her childhood in Chisasibi, Quebec. When she was 16, she moved back to Saskatchewan. There, she studied at the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College. This school is now known as the First Nations University of Canada. She earned a degree in Fine Arts. Later, she went to the University of Regina and finished a program in Arts Education. Her main focus was visual arts.

Sheila Orr's Art Career

Sheila Orr's artwork is special because it mixes old traditions with new styles. She uses materials like porcupine quills and beadwork. These are traditional art forms. She also uses modern art supplies like acrylic paints and canvas.

Art Exhibitions and Themes

In 1999, Sheila had an art show called In-fringe-ment. It opened at the Little Gallery in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. This show featured many different kinds of art. She used everyday items like household cupboards and moose antlers. She also showed traditional oil paintings. Her art explored how First Nations life was affected by white society.

One of her artworks, called Hand-Drum, was featured on a book cover. The book was titled First Nations: Race, Class, and Gender Relations. It was published in 2000.

Teaching and Leadership

Sheila Orr shares her knowledge by teaching traditional arts. She teaches at the First Nations University of Canada. She has also been the head of the Fine Arts Department there. This means she was in charge of the art programs.

Besides teaching, Sheila also helps guide the arts in her province. She is on the board of directors for the Saskatchewan Arts Board. This board helps support artists and art projects in Saskatchewan.