Maurice Cadieux. Click here for larger version of the picture.
Submitted by PCMNO Region 7 Councilor Pauline Richardson
Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) citizen Maurice Cadieux has a keen eye when it comes to art. Maurice born in 1954 and has 13 brothers and sisters. He has resided in the Georgian Bay Métis Traditional Territory throughout his life. The beauty of area provides all artists with a large variety of opportunities to capture something that is one of a kind. Whether, it is the fall colours, an old white pine tree, wildlife, landscapes or the Georgian Bay shoreline; there is always something for everyone.
Maurice’s interest in the arts came to him at a very early age. In the late 1950s, television was just coming into the area with only one black and white channel. However, Maurice watched programs with artists like Jon Gnagy and has been developing his skills from those early days right up to the present. While attending school, Maurice was able to learn more and improve his talents. In grade eight he and fellow artist Barry King (from Christian Island) painted a mural in the front foyer at the Sacred Heart School in Midland, depicting the War of 1812. He was only 12 at the time and this was a great source of pride for him. During high school, Maurice was presented with the opportunity to attend Art School but choose not to go as it meant having to leave the comforts of home. So, it was off to Army Cadet Camp for him and he then later entered the workforce.
Louis Riel said that his people would rise again in hundred years and it would be through the artists and songwriters that they would come forth. In keeping with this theme, both Maurice and his wife Donna enjoy the reward they get from the arts. Many of their efforts have been shared and donated to groups and individuals throughout the Georgian Bay Métis Traditional Territory. Maurice and Donna’s passion for their family, friends, arts and community is well known. So, in the spirit of giving back they are inviting other Métis artists, carvers, sculptors, photographers, potters and any others who may be just interested in art to attend an Open Forum for Métis artists. The idea behind the Forum is to provide Métis artists and other artists throughout the Georgian Bay Métis Traditional Territory with a venue to share techniques, product information, supplier contact information and just learn from one another. As Maurice is always looking to improve himself, he is interested in further developing his skills with “air brushing” techniques, equipment upgrades and perhaps better paint products.
Also from the Forum, Maurice and Donna would like to showcase other Métis artists and crafters in future editions of the Métis Voyageur.
There is no cost to attend the Open Forum, but in the spirit of giving Maurice and Donna ask that attendees bring along a non-perishable food gift to support the emergency food bank maintained by the MNO Georgian Bay Métis Council (GBMC). The Cadieuxs are also grateful to the MNO GBMC for providing them with space for the open forum at the Midland MNO office.
Open Forum for Métis Artists
5:00 – 8:00 pm, Wednesday, April 11, 2018
MNO office
355 Cranston Crescent
Midland
Light refreshments will be served.
RSVP by Wednesday, April 4 to cadieuxmw@rogers.com or 705-534-1092.
Posted: February 1, 2018