Holding Up Our Sky: Virginia McCoy, A Retrospective and Homecoming | Gaa’ishpinung giizhikong: Virginia McCoy, ga’giiwe ganawabanjigadeg ego gabigiiwej

Virginia McCoy (b. 1948 – d. 2023) longed to bring her paintings home. Born in Fort William in 1948, McCoy spent most of her adult life in Cape Breton, where her artistic style grew from her desire and determination to chronicle family stories connected to Fort William First Nation and Northern Ontario. Holding Up Our Sky | Gaa’ishpinung giizhikong is a retrospective exhibition featuring more than fifty of her original paintings that have travelled from Inverness, Cape Breton, to Thunder Bay for the first time. In all her work, there is purpose in returning to yourself.

Introspective and revelatory, her paintings and drawings share stories and family histories that stretch back to the nineteenth century, including how the federal law, the Indian Act of 1876, impacted her life and her ancestors. Her works also reach forward toward self-discovery as a woman of Ojibway, French, and English ancestry in the present day. Brimming with colour, emotion, and verve, these works share a fierce love of the world and give voice to her relations – all those who endure. This exhibition is a celebration of her life and work.

Opening Reception

Saturday 10, October

2:00 – 4:00 pm

Thunder Bay Art Gallery

FREE and Open to All

Light Refreshments Served

Join us for the public reception for Holding Up Our Sky: Virginia McCoy, A Retrospective and Homecoming | Gaa’ishpinung giizhikong: Virginia McCoy, ga’giiwe ganawabanjigadeg ego gabigiiwej, a retrospective exhibition of more than fifty of the late artist’s original paintings on view in Thunder Bay for the first time. As depicted in many of her works, McCoy had deep roots in Thunder Bay and the Fort William First Nation, and many of her relations will be in attendance. She always wanted to bring her paintings home, and this event celebrates the artist’s life and work.

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