Photo supplied.
Sherry Crawford with her artwork called “Purple Paradise” which is currently installed at Toronto’s Nathan Phillip’s Square in a seasonal festival called Cavalcade of Lights that runs until January 7th.
Sherry Crawford is a self-taught artist who started painting later in life when she was inspired by the owner of Cobourg Native Art Museum.
Originally from Bancroft, she has called Cavan Monaghan home for the past 28 years. For a brief period in 2014, Sherry owned and operated Crawford Fine Art on King St. in Millbrook, but the venture closed after a year due to family medical issues. The gallery gave her experience and exposure to many artists and art enthusiasts.
Sherry is a member of the Kijicho Manito Madaouskarini Algonquin Nation and has been awarded the name “White Bear Standing”. She is also a member of the Indigenous Arts Collective of Canada and the Ontario Society of Artists.
During Covid, she teamed up with Cavan resident Don Winslow to host two art exhibitions at St. John’s Ida Anglican Church. The first was an outdoor exhibit featuring forty of her paintings while the second show later that year included a variety of works from other Indigenous artists including sculptors, bead art and painting. Sherry’s work is a blend of contemporary and Indigenous styles, and she it to share Indigenous traditional teachings.
Last month she was thrilled to learn that one of her pieces would be featured in the seasonal festival in Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square called Cavalcade of Lights which runs from now until January 7th, featuring live music, skating, fireworks and more.
Sherry’s piece is called “Purple Paradise” and takes the shape of a six foot laminated lantern depicting a purple humming bird surrounded by stars and flowers. Crawford explains that the hummingbird represents strength, courage, and healing, while the purple color symbolizes spirituality, creativity and harmony and made an earlier appearance in the Lunar Fest Celebration held in Markham in February where it was much admired. She hopes that the lantern will inspire people to appreciate the beauty and diversity of nature and culture.
To learn more about Sherry Crawford and her art, visit www.whitbearstanding.ca. KG
