Nunavut artists to watch in 2026

In this year-end series, Nunatsiaq News reporters look back on their most memorable stories from 2025.

The Canadian Press Stylebook, the professional guide for Canadian journalists, identifies the photo caption as among the most-read words a reporter types.

These two or three sentences provide the who, what, where, and why behind an image.

Among the most memorable images that I have shared in the past year are those that depict young artists-turned-business owners merchandising their talents under their very own brand.

Each of these individuals deserves more than just a photo and a couple of sentences of introduction.

Let us move into the new year through the lens of some of Iqaluit’s future leaders in art and business.

Alicia Angrove, of Alicia’s Jewelry, sells her wares at craft sales and seasonally in the lobby of the Igluvut Building in downtown Iqaluit.

“I started this business as a way to express my passion for handmade art while sharing it with others in a personal and affordable way,” she said.

“My goal is to create items that make people feel happy, confident, and connected, whether they are buying a gift or something special for themselves.”

Iqaluit crafter Rosalie Philomena Elisapee Pakka DeMaio markets her jewelry under her label Rosalie Beads. (Photo courtesy of Rosalie Philomena Elisapee Pakka DeMaio)

She began making jewelry about a year ago, developing her skills and experimenting with new designs along the way.

“I’ve gained confidence as a small business owner,” she said.

“In 2026, I plan to further develop my beading skills, create more detailed and original designs, and grow my business by participating in more markets and community events.”

Rosalie Beads is the label behind Iqaluit crafter Rosalie Philomena Elisapee Pakka DeMaio.

DeMaio learned to bead while attending Nunavut Sivuniksavut in Ottawa in 2022.

She began selling her work a year later and hasn’t slowed down.

Wherever DeMaio is, “there are high chances of my beading being there, too,” she said.

She beads during lectures in her environmental technology program at Nunavut Arctic College.

“It helps me focus,” she said.

“I love to bead. I like to compare it to breathing because I bead all the time.”

Beading is an emotional investment for DeMaio.

“You can form an emotional connection while spending hours on a pair of earrings,” she said.

“When I bead, this feeling comes over me. This sense of clarity and peace. I know that everything is going to be OK. Not because I have all the answers — but I know I’ll be able to figure it out from the best perspective.”

Iqaluit artist Yurak, who goes by one name, is a lifelong artist who turned pro three years ago.

“I find most start young in Nunavut because art is all around us,” Yurak said. “I left my job in March of 2023 to focus only on my art.”

This summer, Yurak focused on creating 25 illustrations for Nunavut Arctic College’s second-year Early Childhood Education program website and program materials.

“I also worked on film sets as the head makeup and hair artist, which I am very proud of,” Yurak said.

Yurak’s first large stained-glass piece was featured at Ottawa’s SAW Gallery, and the artist was also a vendor at the Aqsarniit Trade Show this year in Ottawa.

“I plan to have an outdoor exhibit in July,” Yurak said.

“I am always working on commissioned illustrations, tattoo sessions when I can and creating art out of beads or glass for craft fairs.”