The Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company (SNTC) is offering a rare opportunity to own work by leading artists from across Canada and the US at their art auction May 8.  

Hosted and sponsored by Saskatoon artist Ernie Scoles, this lively and energetic event raises funds and awareness for SNTC's upcoming season. Watch this video all about the art auction, including how to buy tickets and see some of the pieces up for auction.

"We expect thirty pieces on the auction block, all new works," says Scoles, renowned for his limited edition prints and owner of Scoles Fine Arts and Framing. He has approached artist friends from across North America to contribute, and does the framing himself with top quality materials, guaranteeing that the pieces will last forever.  Scoles will also donate his own work of  woodland imagery.

View many of the pieces in our Photo Gallery. 

Any kind of art, says Scoles, whether theatre or painting, is about putting the creative mind to work.   

"Without art, life would be pretty boring," he says. "Just white walls!"

"We're super thankful to Ernie Scoles for lining up all these artists and donations,"says Daniel Knight, responsible for Publicity and Community Relations at SNTC. 

"We're part of a brotherhood and sisterhood of artists, supporting each other," adds says Darlene Okemaysim-Sicotte, Adminstrator with SNTC.  Cameco is also sponsoring the event. 

The generous artists and their donations include:

• Frank Paul (One Arrow First Nation) – an exclusive hand-pulled print 
• Fred Anderson (Vancouver Island) -- West Coast-style painting
• Alan Syliboy (Nova Scotia) – painting blending contemporary and traditional styles
• Irvine Head (Manitoba) – known as one of the best stone sculptors
• Darren Gowan (Day Star First Nation/Saskatoon) – a moose antler carving
• Lloyd Pinay (Peepeekisis First Nation/Langham) – sculpture cast in bronze  
• Johnny Marcelin (Turner Lake) – acrylic painting
• Kevin Pee-ace (Yellowquill First Nation/Saskatoon) – one of his distinctive bright paintings
• Alex Janvier (Cold Lake First Nation) -- considered part of the "Indian Group of Seven," he has been honoured at the auction in the past, and will send another contemporary painting this year. 

Starting at 6 p.m., guests can view the artwork, and bid on silent auction prizes.  Seven kinds of delicious finger food will be served and there will be a cash bar. 

The auction begins at 7 p.m. with MC and EFN's own John Lagimodiere, known for his own style of improvisational theatre. 

"He's a great MC – he's funny, witty, works well with the crowd, plus he's tall and he can see the room,"  says Knight. 

"This is going to be an energetic and classy evening," promises Okeymaysim-Sicotte.  

All funds raised will support presenting SNTC’s next year of plays, the SIGA 2014-2015 season, which SNTC General Manager Alan Long and Artistic Director Curtis Peeteetuce will announce during the event.  Funds from the art auction will help SNTC meet their mandate of raising awareness of traditional and contemporary Aboriginal culture to Saskatoon, and Saskatchewan, and support powerful outreach to youth, through touring plays and programs like Circle of Voices.  

Supporters of SNTC and people who don't want their walls or life to be boring can buy tickets for $50 from SNTC Board members or by calling 306-385-7727.