Sault artist raising money for residential school survivors
A Sault Ste. Marie woman is raising money for residential school survivors through her art. Her sketch of the shoe memorial on the front steps of Algoma University continues to bring in donations - even though she had no intention of selling this particular piece.
Amy Williams said her art project began with a suggestion from her friends that she do a portrait of the residential school memorial at Algoma University in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. After working on it for several hours, she posted her finished piece on social media. What followed was a number of requests from interested buyers. But, she was hesitant to sell.
"I thought, no, I don’t want to do that, I don’t want to dream about even making any kind of money off of this," Williams said. "But then it just took me a second and I thought if I did make some money, then I could really donate to one of the causes that would help survivors."
Williams began selling prints and has so far collected more than $5,000 for the Shingwauk Residential School Centre. And now, her original portrait will be given a permanent home in the Shingwauk Hall exhibit at Algoma University.
"I couldn’t be more flattered, more honoured that they would want my piece hanging there in their permanent exhibition," Williams said. "I couldn’t be more touched."
Asima Vezina, the president of Algoma University, said Williams' portrait will make a great addition to the Shingwauk exhibit.
"She’s really captured a moment in the site’s history and I think in the history of Canada and she’s done so with such good intentions," Vezina said. "I think it’s just fitting that she be recognized for that."
Vezina said donations to the Shingwauk Centre have spiked in recent weeks.
"We’ve had a lot of donations from community members as well as from foundations," she said. "I think because people see the important work that the children of Shingwauk Alumni Association and former residential school survivors are doing and planning to do on the site."
Meanwhile, Williams said she will continue to sell prints of her residential school memorial portrait through her Facebook page until June 16.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.