Nunavut artists inducted to academy

The Royal Canadian Academy of Arts is inducting 12 Nunavut artists on June 1 in Calgary.

Alan McNairn, executive director of the RCAA, said the number of Nunavut artists accepted this year is the most in the academy’s 122-year history.

The induction of Kiawak Ashoona marks the first time a mother and son have been recognized by the RCAA. Kiwak’s mother, the late Pitseolak Ashoona, was inducted to the academy in 1974.

The RCCA was established in 1880 and recognizes Canadian visual artists who have demonstrated excellence in their fields.

The academy’s objective is to encourage artists working in the area of painting sculpting, architecture, graphic design and industrial arts.